Kurt Schwitters (1887 - 1948)

Kurt Schwitters (1887 - 1948) - photo 1

Kurt Schwitters

Kurt Schwitters (1887–1948) was a German artist renowned for his multifaceted contributions to modern art, encompassing painting, poetry, graphic design, and installation art. Born in Hanover, Germany, Schwitters developed a unique artistic vision that led to the creation of "Merz," a term he coined to describe his one-of-a-kind approach to art.

The concept of Merz originated from a fragment of the word "Kommerz" (commerce), which Schwitters incorporated into his early collages. This term came to represent his artistic philosophy, characterized by the assemblage of found objects and everyday materials into cohesive compositions. Through Merz, Schwitters sought to blur the boundaries between traditional art forms, integrating elements of Dadaism, Constructivism, and Surrealism.

One of Schwitters' most significant projects was the "Merzbau," an ambitious, evolving installation within his Hanover home. This project began around 1923 and transformed his living space into a labyrinthine structure filled with collages, sculptures, and found objects. The Merzbau was a physical manifestation of his Merz philosophy, embodying the synthesis of art and life. Unfortunately, the original Merzbau was destroyed during a British air raid in 1943.

In addition to his visual art, Schwitters made notable contributions to literature and sound art. His poem "An Anna Blume," published in 1919, is a seminal work that exemplifies his playful use of language and nonsensical style, aligning with the Dada movement's principles. Moreover, his "Ursonate," a sound poem composed between 1922 and 1932, showcases his innovative exploration of phonetic expression and rhythm, pushing the boundaries of traditional poetry.

The rise of the Nazi regime in Germany had a profound impact on Schwitters' life and work. Classified as a "degenerate" artist by the Nazis, he fled to Norway in 1937 to escape persecution. Following the German invasion of Norway in 1940, he sought refuge in the United Kingdom. During his internment at the Hutchinson Internment Camp on the Isle of Man, Schwitters continued to create art, producing over 200 works during his 16 months of confinement.

After his release, Schwitters settled in the Lake District of England, where he embarked on a new Merz construction known as the "Merzbarn." Although he was unable to complete this project due to his death in 1948, the Merzbarn stands as a testament to his unwavering commitment to his artistic vision. Today, Kurt Schwitters is celebrated as a pioneer of modern art, whose innovative techniques and ideas have left an indelible mark on the art world.

Date and place of birt:20 june 1887, Hannover, Germany
Date and place of death:8 january 1948, Kendal, United Kingdom
Nationality:United Kingdom, Germany
Period of activity: XX century
Specialization:Artist, Painter, Writer
Art school / group:Der Sturm
Genre:Landscape painting, Still life
Art style:Degenerate art, Expressionism, Surrealism, Constructivism, Dadaism

Creators United Kingdom

Thomas Sully (1783 - 1872)
Thomas Sully
1783 - 1872
Andrea Carlo Lucchesi (1859 - 1925)
Andrea Carlo Lucchesi
1859 - 1925
Edward Armitage (1817 - 1896)
Edward Armitage
1817 - 1896
Andrew Palmer (1979)
Andrew Palmer
1979
Miles Edmund Cotman (1810 - 1858)
Miles Edmund Cotman
1810 - 1858
Muirhead Bone (1876 - 1953)
Muirhead Bone
1876 - 1953
Jadé Fadojutimi (1993)
Jadé Fadojutimi
1993
Arthur Hacker (1858 - 1919)
Arthur Hacker
1858 - 1919
William Dyce (1806 - 1864)
William Dyce
1806 - 1864
John Maxwell (1905 - 1962)
John Maxwell
1905 - 1962
Albert Henry Thomas Irvin (1922 - 2015)
Albert Henry Thomas Irvin
1922 - 2015
Chris Ofili (1968)
Chris Ofili
1968
David Martin (1737 - 1797)
David Martin
1737 - 1797
Lucien Pissarro (1863 - 1944)
Lucien Pissarro
1863 - 1944
Edward Darvill ()
Edward Darvill
George Michael Moser (1706 - 1783)
George Michael Moser
1706 - 1783

Creators Constructivism

Josef Urbach (1889 - 1973)
Josef Urbach
1889 - 1973
Uwe Henneken (1974)
Uwe Henneken
1974
Franz Marc (1880 - 1916)
Franz Marc
1880 - 1916
Jindřich Štyrský (1899 - 1942)
Jindřich Štyrský
1899 - 1942
Charlotte Posenenske (1930 - 1985)
Charlotte Posenenske
1930 - 1985
Adrian Ghenie (1977)
Adrian Ghenie
1977
Lynette Yiadom-Boakye (1977)
Lynette Yiadom-Boakye
1977
András Beck (1911 - 1985)
András Beck
1911 - 1985
Jo Niemeyer (1946)
Jo Niemeyer
1946
Cesare Lucchini (1941)
Cesare Lucchini
1941
Lauritz Hartz (1903 - 1987)
Lauritz Hartz
1903 - 1987
Gonzalo Fonseca (1922 - 1997)
Gonzalo Fonseca
1922 - 1997
Gustav Georg Schopf (1899 - 1986)
Gustav Georg Schopf
1899 - 1986
Fritz Ascher (1893 - 1970)
Fritz Ascher
1893 - 1970
John Altoon (1925 - 1969)
John Altoon
1925 - 1969
Maurits Cornelis Escher (1898 - 1972)
Maurits Cornelis Escher
1898 - 1972
× Create a Search Subscription