Question: Is the idea of 'newness' (progress/avante-garde) merely a construct? Is it possible to have anything new in art?
Response: The combination and juxtaposition of objects pulled from various sources can be reformed into something that can be concidered art. For example, by using a combination of objects in a setting, one is able to create art 'theatre'.
Art: Mike Kelly
Test Room Containing Multiple Stimuli Known to Elicit Curiosity
Photo with Description
Mike Kelly's Book Minor Histories in which he describes Test Room