Artistic Movement: Dadaism and Surrealism (A2.5)

Name: Rajeshvariba Rana
Roll No: 16
Semester: 2 (Batch 2022-24)
Enrolment number: 4069206420220023
Paper No: 110A
Paper name: History of English Literature from 1900 to 2000
Paper code: 22403
Topic: Artistic Movement: Dadaism and Surrealism
Submitted to: Smt. S.B. Gardi, Department of English, MKBU
Email Address: rhrana148@gmail.com

Artistic Movement: Dadaism and Surrealism

The study of the avant-garde movements of Dada and Surrealism provides a fresh take on their ongoing impact on contemporary art. He delves into the many debates that surround these movements, from the deification of the Marquis de Sade in Surrealism to issues of quality and the use of the "readymade." Hopkins also examines the international scope of these movements, highlighting their presence in cities like Zurich, New York, and Paris, as well as their varied use of media, such as collage, painting, and film. Throughout the book, Hopkins compares and contrasts the aesthetics of Dada and Surrealism, exploring their respective preoccupations with the body-as-mechanism and the eroticized body. The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press offers readers a concise and accessible way to engage with complex subjects.

Dadaism:

Art covers virtually everything about the world, both living and nonliving. Above all, it is the means of expressing one’s thoughts, beliefs, feelings or perceptions through creative prowess or skill exhibited in painting, writing, music, dancing and even communication.

Origin of Dadaism :

The term “dada” was invented by the Roman writer, Tristan Tzara (1896–1963) at Hugo Ball’s Cabaret Voltaire in Zürich, during one of the meetings held by a group of artists in 1916.

“Dada” is a colloquial French word which means “hobby-horse."

Dadaism as a movement began during the early hours of the 1910s.

Artists of this movement through their works ridiculed the meaningless and baselessness of the modern world. Due to the “controversial” nature of Dadaism, it was seen as an art movement that is against the standard and norms that society stands for.

One major factor that facilitated the start of Dadaism was World War 1 between 1914 – 1918.

The first World War cost the lives of millions of people, with millions wounded. The traumatic effect of the first World War is the loss of reality by Europe as stated in the words of Dickerman: “World War I produced a collapse of confidence in the rhetoric—if not the principles—of the culture of rationality that had prevailed in Europe since the Enlightenment.” This loss of reality gave way to confusion.

What is Dadaism:

To simply put, Dadaism is an art form. It is an art movement. The definition of Dadaism revolves around the incidents that occurred during its origin. It is a movement because it is an art form spearheaded and adopted by a group of artists with a similar philosophy and style at a particular period.

Every art movement has a focus. Dadaism is not an exception.

As a movement, Dadaism opposes the surge or the uprising of capitalism.

“When the artist finds himself he is lost. The fact that he has succeeded in never finding himself is regarded by Max Ernst as his only lasting achievement”. – Max Ernst

Key Ideas of Dadaism :

Dadaism, as a movement, has three basic ideas – Spontaneity, Negation, and Absurdity.

These three ideas express Dadaism as an art that is creatively anarchical.

SPONTANEITY :

This idea is of the view that art will be meaningful and worthwhile if and only if it is spontaneous. Therefore, it emphasises on the keen relationship that must exist between an artist and his works.

The beauty of an artwork is not something to be judged by the system, rather, it is a subjective judgement of the artist. This is why, Tristran Tzara even wrote that literature is never beautiful because beauty itself is dead.

Hence, beauty should be left as a private affair to the artist.

Spontaneity makes appeal largely to the concept of individuality. Spontaneity is Creativity.

NEGATION :

This idea aims at contrasting or negating art conventions and establishment through the spread of demoralisation. Thus, the idea sees no line of difference between the moral standard of goodness or badness.

Good is in no way different from bad. It sees everything with one view: as being irrelevant. Nothing is relevant. Even man is of no importance. This idea sees the relevance of everything as being imaginary and unreal.

ABSURDITY :

This is perhaps the best idea that captures the framework of Dadaism.

Dadaists employed absurdity as a weapon to attack elites who were perceived to support the war.

Several factors influenced the start of Dadaism. Concepts such as expressionism and futurism are some of these factors.

DADA ARTISTS :

Dada artists are especially known for their use of ” readymade.”

“Readymade” is the artistic manipulation of normal everyday objects by the artist and then presented as art.

Ready-made triggered questions pertaining to the creation of art, its meaning, what it stands for and its relevance in the society. Furthermore, Dadaism paved the way for the ushering in of Surrealism, another modern art movement.

There are many important Dada artists. who have articulated the definition of Dadaism. Some of them are:

1) Marcel Duchamp (1887 – 1968). His readymades included a humorous and cheap reproduction of Mona Lisa with a moustache and goatee, the fountain and a bottle rack.

2) Tristan Tzara (1896–1963, a poet, painter and performer artist.)

3) Marcel Janco (1895 -1984, his ready-made was “bishop dress.”)

4) Hugo Ball (1886 -1947, his readymades were “Karawane,” and the “Dada manifesto”)

5) Emmy Hennings (1885 -1948, his readymades were “itinerant poet” and “cabaret chanteuse").

FIVE TOP DADAISM WORKS :

FOUNTAIN:

  

This art piece was produced by Marcel Duchamp in 1917. Many Historians affirm it to be an iconic symbol of twentieth-century art.

   

LHOOQ :

This art piece was also produced by Marcel. It is a ready-made reproduction of Leonardo’s “Mona Lisa.” Marcel added a moustache to the portrait and inscribed the title “LHOOQ.”

THE SPIRIT OF OUR TIME :

A Dada art piece produced by Raoul Hausmann, a German artist.

UNTITLED (SQUARES ARRANGED ACCORDING TO THE LAWS OF CHANCE, 1917)

The Untitled Dada art was produced by Jeans (Han) Arp in 1917.

THROUGH THE LAST WEIMAR BEER BELLY CULTURAL EPOCH OF GERMANY (1919).

A Dada artwork produced by a German woman named Hannah Höch. It is considered one of the greatest works in Dada arts.

THE RISE OF NEO-DADAISM:

Dadaism as art, despite its seeming offensive and artless nature, is funny and humorous. It spread to many other parts of Europe after its start in Zurich.

Although, it eventually declined at some point, because right from the onset, it was obvious that it cannot hold on for long.

However, Dadaism opened the door for a new concept in modern art. This new concept is Neo-Dadaism. It is a “new” form of Dadaism.

Neo-Dadaism is an art movement with artistic manifestations with audio, visual and literary concepts. It has strong ties with Dadaism. It shares similar thought, method, intent, and technique with artworks in Dadaism. Its aim is to bridge the gap that exists between art and daily experiences. Neo-dada employs the use of materials that are modern and also absurdist in contrast.

Neo-Dadaism takes its lead largely from the works of Marcel Duchamp and Kurt Schwitters. It totally denies the traditional conceptions of aesthetics.

Dadaism – A Living Art

Dadaism is an artwork that outlives its time.

Its relevance can still be felt in the world of art, especially the internet. Memes that are used as communication cues stem from dadaism. Fashion is not left out. Dadaism has its touch there.

In music, literature, sculpture, painting and even technology, Dadaism still thrives and lives on. Despite its seemingly meaningless state, it found a way of nesting itself in the hearts of people.

This shows the power and awe that Dadaism carries. Undoubtedly, Dadaism is not just an art, but it is an art with a soul, a living art.

Surrealism:

The poet Guilliame Apollinaire first coined the term “Surreal” in reference to the idea of an independent reality, existing “beneath” our conscious reality.

But the Surrealist movement initially surfaced in 1924 when French poet André Breton published his “Manifesto of Surrealism,” influenced by the theories and writings on the unconscious mind by psychologist Sigmund Freud, the groundbreaking studies of Carl Jung, and the early 20th-century Dada movement.

While Surrealism started as a literary movement in the prose and poetry of Breton and others, visual artists such as Giorgio de Chirico, Pablo Picasso, Francis Picabia, and Marcel Duchamp embraced Surrealism and were recognized in Breton’s 1925 publication, “La Révolution Surréaliste.”

Image: Minotaure Aveugle Guidé par une fillette, I” (1934). Etching from Picasso’s Vollard Suite.

Man Ray, Observatory Time—The Lovers, 1932-34/1970, coloured lithograph after an oil on canvas, 68 × 104 cm (dimensions of original painting shown by Barr, now lost:99 × 251.5 cm). Collection Clo and Marcel Fleiss, Paris.

Soichi Sunami, installation view of “Fantastic Art, Dada, Surrealism.” Showing, left to right: The Surrealist Poets Paul Éluard, André Breton, Tristan Tzara, René Crevel, Benjamin Péret, René Char by Valentine Hugo, 1935; Puzzle of Autumn by Salvador Dalí, 1935; Daily Torments by Richard Oelze, 1934; and Observatory Time—The Lovers by Man Ray, 1932–34 (top centre). New York, The Museum of Modern Art Archives.

"Intelligent and exact, should be studied by everyone who seeks enlightenment about the contemporary mind." Intelligent and exact, this book should be studied by everyone who seeks enlightenment about the contemporary mind. Like it or not, surrealism cannot be ignored in an overview of 20th-century thought.

Conclusion:

Dadaism and Surrealism were two avant-garde art movements that emerged in Europe in the early 20th century.

Dadaism was a reaction against the established art traditions and societal norms of the time, characterised by its anarchic and irrational nature. Its artists sought to challenge the meaning and value of art itself, often using nonsensical and absurdist techniques to create works that were deliberately shocking and provocative.

Surrealism, on the other hand, was a more focused and intentional movement that sought to explore the realm of the unconscious mind and the power of the imagination. Its artists sought to express the irrational and illogical aspects of the human psyche, often using dreamlike imagery and symbolism to create works that were both visually stunning and psychologically evocative.

Both Dadaism and Surrealism were united in their rejection of traditional artistic and cultural values, as well as their embrace of experimentation, individualism, and freedom of expression. They have had a profound influence on the development of modern and contemporary art, inspiring generations of artists to push the boundaries of what is considered art and what is possible in the creative process.

(Words 1721; Images 08)

Works Cited

Helmreich, Anne L., et al., editors. Networking Surrealism in the USA: Agents, Artists, and the Market. arthistoricum.net, 2019. Accessed 31 March 2023.

Hopkins, David. Dada and Surrealism: A Very Short Introduction. OUP Oxford, 2004.

Nadeau, Maurice. The History of Surrealism. Translated by Richard Howard, Belknap Press of Harvard University Press, 1989.

Dadaism, Surrealism, Experinissiom - Artistic Movements

This blog is assigned by Yesha Ma'am. It's contains my art upon Dadaism, Surrealism, Expressionism and brief introduction of these three movements.

I also try to make art on these movements and here are the result of it;

(You can give your interpretation in comment section.)

Dadaistic Art : (Photography)

These photos are clicked in Samsung M21, Rear camera, ISO100.

Clicked by Avani Jani in One Plus.

Clicked by Avani Jani in One Plus.

Surrealistic Art :

Expressinisim Art :

Done by group of our class.(Digital art)
(This is a photo of digital view board.)

Dadaism :

Dadaism is an artistic movement that emerged in the early 20th century as a reaction to the devastation of World War I and the societal changes happening at the time. Dadaists rejected traditional art forms and values, and sought to challenge the audience's perceptions of art. They used a wide range of unconventional materials and techniques, such as collage, photomontage, and found objects, often incorporating elements of chance and humor into their work. Some of the key figures in the Dada movement include Marcel Duchamp, Francis Picabia, and Hannah Höch. Dadaism spread across Europe and later to the United States, and had a significant influence on the development of Surrealism and other avant-garde movements.

Theme :

• Anti-war: Many Dadaists were deeply affected by the devastation of World War I and used their art as a form of protest against the conflict and the societal structures that had led to it.
• Anti-establishment: Dadaists rejected traditional art forms and values and sought to challenge the audience's perceptions of art and the art world.
• Experimentation: Dadaists experimented with a wide range of unconventional materials and techniques, such as collage, photomontage, and found objects, often incorporating elements of chance and humor into their work.
• Absurdity and Surrealism: Dadaists often used elements of absurdity and irrationality in their works, which laid the foundation for Surrealism.
• Political and social commentary: Dadaists used their art as a way to comment on political and social issues of the time, often in a satirical and critical manner.

Dadaistic Artist :

There are many famous artists associated with the Dada movement, here are some notable ones:

• Marcel Duchamp (1887-1968): Considered one of the most important figures in the Dada movement, Duchamp is best known for his ready-mades, ordinary objects that he presented as works of art. He also created a number of influential works, such as the "Fountain" (1917), which is considered to be one of the first pieces of conceptual art.

• Francis Picabia (1879-1953): A French painter and writer, Picabia was a key figure in the Dada movement in Paris. He experimented with various styles, from Impressionism to abstract art, and his works often incorporated elements of satire and irony.

• Hannah Höch (1889-1978): A German artist and photomontage artist, Höch is considered one of the leading figures of the Dada movement in Berlin. Her works often incorporated found images and dealt with themes of gender and societal norms.

• Kurt Schwitters (1887-1948): A German painter, sculptor, and writer, Schwitters was a key figure in the Dada movement in Hanover. He is best known for his collages, which he called Merz art, which often incorporated found materials such as ticket stubs and newspapers.

• George Grosz (1893-1959): A German artist and caricaturist, Grosz was a key figure in the Dada movement in Berlin. His works often dealt with political and social issues of the time, and often incorporated elements of satire and irony.

• Man Ray (1890-1976): An American artist and photographer, Man Ray was associated with the Dada movement in Paris. He is best known for his photographs and his use of photograms, which are photographic images created without a camera.

These artists were active during the World War 1 and after the war until the 1920s,Dadaism was a short lived but influential movement that had a lasting impact on the art world.

Dadaistic Art :

Fountain (Duchamp)

Painting by Marcel Duchamp and Rrose Sélavy

 SURREALISM 

Surrealism is an art and literary movement that started in the 1920s. It is about using the imagination to create something unusual and unexpected. Artists and writers who were part of the Surrealist movement would often use symbols, dream-like imagery and strange combinations of objects in their work. They wanted to show that the world was not always what it seemed and that there was more to reality than what we see in our everyday lives. They also wanted to challenge the traditional ideas and norms of society. In simple words, Surrealism is an art movement that tries to show the world in a different and unusual way, often using images from dreams and the subconscious mind.

Theme :

The theme of Surrealist art is often related to the subconscious mind, dreams, and the irrational. Surrealist artists sought to tap into the unconscious mind and reveal the hidden desires, fears, and thoughts that exist beneath the surface of the conscious mind. They often used symbolism, metaphor, and other techniques to express these hidden thoughts and feelings.

Some common themes in Surrealist art include : 

• The exploration of the human psyche and the inner world of the mind
• The use of symbolism and metaphor to express emotions and ideas
• The use of dream-like imagery and unexpected juxtapositions
• The critique of societal norms and conventions
• The rejection of rationality and logic in favor of the irrational and the unexpected
• The representation of the inner reality, the subconscious and the irrational
• The use of automatism to create art, the artist let his subconscious take over the creation process.

In summary, Surrealist art explores the hidden and irrational aspects of the human mind and consciousness, through the use of symbolism, metaphor, and dream-like imagery, and often critiques societal norms and conventions.

Surrealistic Artists :

• Salvador Dali (1904-1989) : He was a Spanish painter and one of the most famous and influential members of the Surrealist movement. He joined the Surrealist group in 1929, and his works from that period, such as "The Persistence of Memory" (1931) is considered some of his most iconic. He was associated with the movement until the 1940s.
• René Magritte (1898-1967) : He was a Belgian surrealist artist known for his thought-provoking images that often feature unexpected combinations of objects and symbols. He joined the Surrealist group in 1927 and became one of its most prominent members. His works from that period, such as "The Son of Man" (1964) and "The Treachery of Images" (1929) are considered some of his most famous.
• Max Ernst (1891-1976) : He was a German-born artist who was a leading member of the Surrealist movement. He joined the group in 1922 and his works from that period, such as "The Elephant Celebes" (1921) and "Europe After the Rain" (1940) are considered some of his most famous. He was associated with the movement until the 1940s.
• Yves Tanguy (1900-1955) : He was a French painter known for his dream-like landscapes and abstract shapes. He joined the Surrealist group in 1925, and his works from that period, such as "The Empty Mask" (1927) and "The Sun in the Head" (1930) are considered some of his most famous.
• Joan Miró (1893-1983): He was a Spanish painter, sculptor, and ceramicist who was an important member of the Surrealist movement. He joined the group in 1924 and his works from that period, such as "The Harlequin's Carnival" (1924) and "The Tilled Field" (1923–1924) are considered some of his most famous.
• Frida Kahlo (1907-1954): She was a Mexican painter known for her self-portraits, which often depicted her physical and emotional pain. She was not officially associated with the Surrealist movement, but her works have been recognized as Surrealist. Her most famous works include "The Broken Column" (1944) and "The Two Fridas" (1939).

These artists were some of the most prominent figures in the Surrealist movement, but there were many other talented artists who also contributed to the development of the movement. They were active during the 1920s to 1940s, which is considered the height of the Surrealist movement.

Surrealistic Art :

Philosopher's lamp, 1936 - Rene Magritte

The Persistence of Memory
Year: 1931
Artist: Salvador Dali

 Expressionism : 

Expressionism is an art movement that began in the early 20th century. It is characterized by the use of bold, exaggerated, and often distorted forms, bright colors, and intense emotions. The goal of expressionist art is to express the inner feelings and emotions of the artist, rather than simply depicting reality. Expressionism can be found in various forms of art, including painting, sculpture, and literature. Some famous expressionist artists include Edvard Munch, Vincent van Gogh, and Wassily Kandinsky.

Theme of expressionism :

• Inner emotions and feelings of the artist.
• Depiction of darker, more intense emotions such as fear, anxiety, and alienation.
• Social and political critique.
• Rebellion against tradition and the status quo.
• Conveying emotions in a powerful and immediate way.
• Use of distorted forms, bright colors, and energetic brushstrokes.
• Self-exploration and self-discovery.

Expressionism Artists :

• Edvard Munch (1863-1944): Norwegian painter and printmaker known for his Symbolist and Expressionist works, such as "The Scream."

• Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890): Dutch Post-Impressionist painter known for his bold use of color and emotional intensity, particularly in works such as "Starry Night."

• Wassily Kandinsky (1866-1944): Russian painter and art theorist who is considered one of the pioneers of abstract art and an important figure in the Expressionist movement.

• Egon Schiele (1890-1918): Austrian painter known for his erotic and emotive figures and portraits.

• Ernst Ludwig Kirchner (1880-1938): German painter and printmaker who was a founding member of the Expressionist group Die Bruck.

• Max Beckmann (1884-1950): German painter, draftsman, and printmaker, whose works typically featured grotesque, nightmarish imagery.

• Oskar Kokoschka (1886-1980): Austrian painter, poet, and playwright known for his Expressionist portraits and landscapes.

• Emil Nolde (1867-1956): German painter and printmaker, who was one of the first Expressionists.

These are a few famous expressionist artists, They were active mainly between the late 19th century to the mid 20th century.

Expressionist Art :

The Scream

The Starry Night

[Words 1563, Images 18]