Bricolage is a term that refers to a collection of objects as well as the trial and error process of putting them together. A bricoleur is a person who engages in bricolage. Bricolage is used in a variety of fields, from computer programming to music, and it is an important part of many cultures’ artistic and cultural expressions. You may have even done some bricolage yourself; for example, you may have devised a simple solution to a household problem using materials on hand. This is a bricolage technique.
The word comes from the French word bricole, which means “trifle” or “odd job.” Bricolage, by definition, includes readily available objects and skills. MacGyver, a well-known bricoleur, was capable of inventing ingenious solutions out of everyday items, ranging from rappelling tools to incendiary devices. Many people regard MacGyver as a trailblazer in the field, and they may look up to him as a role model who exemplifies how anything is possible with a sharp mind and a Swiss army knife.
Bricolage is a term used in art to describe the use of found objects in musical performances, sculptures, and other artistic expressions. Bricolage can also refer to a blending of styles; for example, when a punk band reinterprets classical music. Bricolage can also be used in the field of design; for example, many interior designers use it to create innovative, distinctive, and unique designs for their clients.
Bricolage can also be found in the computer world. Many programmers, for example, talk about experimenting and using a trial-and-error approach in their work, and many websites take the form of bricolage, collecting information from a variety of sources and presenting it to their users. The content on these sites is often quite extensive and incredibly varied, ranging from presidential candidate interviews to pictures of animals with amusing captions.
Bricolage is defined by some as the ability to create art with whatever materials are available, as well as the ability to think outside the box when it comes to item use. A paperclip is just a paperclip to the average person. A paperclip can be used as a sculptural support, a firing pin, an etching tool, and much more by a bricoleur.