This month is Women’s History Month, which makes it especially important to focus on the women of the Dada art movement, including Emmy Hennings, Sophie Tauber, Hanna Höch and Elsa Baroness von Freytag-Loringhoven.
Dada, known for its radical rejection of societal norms and conventions, was predominantly male-dominated. However, amidst the chaos and rebellion, many women also participated in exploring themes of social and political discontent, challenging gender roles, and contributing to the avant-garde movement’s diverse expressions.
Emmy Hennings’ Entrance into DADA
From a young age, Emmy Hennings’ journey as an artist was marked by defiance and determination. Born into a society that prescribed rigid gender roles and expectations, Hennings refused to conform to societal norms – especially against the wishers of her mother. As a young woman, she pursued a career as a cabaret performer, captivating audiences with her bold and avant-garde performances. It was through her involvement in the cabaret scene that Hennings crossed paths with Hugo Ball, her partner and collaborator in both art and life.
Together, Hennings and Ball founded the Cabaret Voltaire in Zurich, Switzerland, a hub of artistic experimentation and intellectual discourse. It was here that the DADA movement was born, with Hennings playing a central role as its muse and guiding spirit. Despite the predominantly male composition of the movement, Hennings asserted her presence and made her voice heard, drawing crowds and being recognized as the “star of the cabaret.”
Gender and Identity in Hennings’ Work
Throughout her career, Emmy Hennings explored themes of gender and identity in her work, often challenging traditional notions of femininity and womanhood. In her poetry, performances, and collaborations, Hennings embraced a fluid and multifaceted approach to gender, rejecting binary categories and embracing the complexities of human identity.
In her poetry, Hennings’ verses often subverted traditional gender roles, depicting women as powerful and assertive figures rather than passive objects of desire. She challenged the passive femininity of Biblical female figures and often reclaimed female agency and autonomy, challenging patriarchal norms and expectations in her poetry.
Through her performances, Hennings blurred the lines between gender, identity, and performance, inviting audiences to question their preconceived notions of what it means to be a woman.
Collaboration and Camaraderie: Hennings Among the DADAists
Despite the predominantly male composition of the DADA movement, Hennings found camaraderie and solidarity among her fellow DADAists. While she may have been one of the few women at the forefront of the movement, Hennings’ presence was felt and respected by her male counterparts. Collaborations with artists such as Sophie Tauber, whom she preformed alongside at the Cabaret Voltaire.
“Most of our male colleagues continued for a long while to look upon us as charming and gifted amateurs , denying us implicitly any real professional status.”
– Hannah Höch
Hannah Höch and Elsa Baroness von Freytag-Loringhoven, who came later to the Dada art movement in Berlin and New York respectively, were undoubtedly influenced by the Dada women before them. Known for their sharp wit, expressive personalities and experimental artwork, both women made a strong impact in the Dada art movement.
Read more: The Mama of Dada: Who Was Elsa von Freytag-Loringhoven?
Legacy and Recognition: Reclaiming Hennings’ Place in Art History
In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in Emmy Hennings’ contributions to the DADA movement and her significance as a female artist. Scholars and historians have begun to reclaim her place in art history, shedding light on her immense influence and impact on the avant-garde. Exhibitions, publications, and retrospectives have sought to celebrate Hennings’ legacy and ensure that her voice is not lost to history.
As a female artist in a male-dominated world, Hennings defied expectations and challenged societal norms, leaving an indelible mark on the avant-garde. Through her poetry, performances, and collaborations, she explored themes of gender and identity, paving the way for future generations of artists to question, subvert, and redefine the boundaries of artistic expression.
Jill Blocker 
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