Lecture Notes: Dadaism Art Movement

Introduction

• Topic Overview: Exploration of why a urinal is considered art, representation of Dadaism
• Key Questions:
  • What is Dada?
  • How did Dadaism influence art?
  • Examples of Dadaist art

Origins of Dadaism

• Birthplace: Cabaret Voltaire in Zurich, Switzerland, February 1916
• Historical Context: Emerged during World War I as artists fled to Switzerland

Characteristics of Dadaism

• International Movement: Artists from various countries
  • Romanian: Tristan Tzara, Marcel Janco
  • German: Emmy Hennings, Hugo Ball
  • French: Jean Arp
• Philosophy:
  • Anti-war, anti-bourgeois, anti-nationalist, anti-establishment
  • Anti-materialism, anti-museum
  • "Dada is a state of mind" - Andre Breton
  • Destroy established rules, ideals, conventions

Art Style and Practices

• Unnamed Sound: The word "Dada" itself represents the nonsensical
• Cabaret Voltaire: Hub for avant-garde performances, poetry, dance, and exhibits
• Poetry:
  • Dadaist Instructions: Tristan Tzara’s method of creating poems using cutouts from newspapers
  • Random, nonsensical word usage

Spread and Influence

• Geographical Spread: Moved to Paris, Berlin, New York after WWI
• Berlin Group: Political engagement, photo montage innovation
• New York Group: Marcel Duchamp's influence
  • "The Fountain": Signed urinal as art
  • Concept of "ready-mades": Ordinary objects made into art
  • Duchamp's philosophy: Art is about the idea, not the object

Legacy of Dadaism

• Influence on Modern Art:
  • Foundations for surrealism, conceptual art, performance art
  • Inspired movements like post-modern art
• Contemporary Relevance:
  • Artists like Marina Abramović, Banksy
  • Conceptual works like Maurizio Cattelan’s banana

Conclusion

• Enduring Impact: Continuing influence in 20th-century art and contemporary art world
• Engagement: Encouragement to explore more art movements and share opinions