Jill Blocker

In the chaos of World War I, a group of artists and intellectuals sought to make sense of the senseless, to find meaning in the absurd, and to challenge the very foundations of artistic expression. This movement, known as DADA, emerged as a radical response to the violence and destruction of the war, rejecting traditional values and embracing the nonsensical.

In this beginner’s guide, we’ll explore the fascinating world of DADA: its origins, key figures, principles, and enduring influence on modern art.

Origins of DADA

DADA was born in Zurich, Switzerland, in 1916, in the midst of one of the most tumultuous periods in human history. The horrors of World War I had shattered the optimism of the early 20th century, leaving behind a world in turmoil. It was against this backdrop of chaos and despair that a group of artists, poets, and thinkers (specifically Hugo Ball, Emmy Hennings, Hans Arp, Tristan Tzara, Marcel Janco, Sophie Taeuber and Richard Huelsenbeck) came together to form the Cabaret Voltaire, a venue for artistic experimentation and intellectual discourse.

Read about the beginnings of DADA in my novel, “What was Beautiful and Good.”

Key Figures of DADA

While DADA was a decentralized movement with no formal leaders, however, several key figures played instrumental roles in its development. Hugo Ball and Emmy Hennings, for example, were the founders of the Cabaret Voltaire and were instrumental in shaping the early DADAist aesthetic. Tristan Tzara, a Romanian poet and essayist, was another central figure in the movement, known for his provocative manifestos and avant-garde poetry. Other notable DADAists include Marcel Duchamp, whose readymades challenged traditional notions of art, and Hans Arp, whose abstract sculptures and collages pushed the boundaries of artistic expression.

Principles of DADA

At its core, DADA was a rejection of tradition, a rebellion against the prevailing values of bourgeois society. DADAists embraced chaos, absurdity, and chance, seeking to disrupt the status quo and provoke a reaction. They employed a variety of techniques and mediums, from collage and assemblage to performance and poetry, blurring the boundaries between art and life. DADAist works often incorporated found objects, everyday materials, and nonsensical language, challenging viewers to question their preconceived notions of what constitutes art.

Influence on Modern Art

Despite its relatively short lifespan, DADA had a profound influence on the course of modern art. Its emphasis on experimentation and innovation paved the way for subsequent movements such as Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism, and Conceptual Art. DADAist techniques, such as collage and readymades, became integral components of the modern artistic vocabulary, influencing generations of artists to come.

Legacy of DADA

While DADA may have faded into obscurity in the decades following its inception, (largely because of efforts to erase and abolish “anti-political” art and literature during WW2) its legacy continues to reverberate throughout the art world today. Its spirit of rebellion and subversion remains as relevant as ever, inspiring artists to challenge conventions and push the boundaries of artistic expression. In an era marked by uncertainty and upheaval, the principles of DADA – freedom, experimentation, and defiance – offer a beacon of hope and a reminder of the power of art to transcend the limitations of the human condition.

DADA remains one of the most influential and enigmatic movements in the history of modern art. Its radical rejection of tradition and embrace of the absurd continue to captivate audiences and inspire artists around the world. As we continue to grapple with the complexities of the modern world, the principles of DADA serve as a reminder of the enduring power of creativity and the limitless potential of the human imagination.