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

David Reekie (1947)
David Reekie
1947
Igor Ustinov (1956)
Igor Ustinov
1956
William Raymond Dommersen (1859 - 1927)
William Raymond Dommersen
1859 - 1927
Steve Whitehead (1960)
Steve Whitehead
1960
Grayson Perry (1960)
Grayson Perry
1960
Jeremy Langford (1956)
Jeremy Langford
1956
James Bolivar Manson (1879 - 1945)
James Bolivar Manson
1879 - 1945
Rachel Howard (1969)
Rachel Howard
1969
Henry Cornman ()
Henry Cornman
Paul Nash (1889 - 1946)
Paul Nash
1889 - 1946
Thomas Houseago (1972)
Thomas Houseago
1972
Ronald Moody (1900 - 1984)
Ronald Moody
1900 - 1984
David Bates (1840 - 1921)
David Bates
1840 - 1921
Henry Barlow Carter (1795 - 1867)
Henry Barlow Carter
1795 - 1867
Richard Burchett (1815 - 1875)
Richard Burchett
1815 - 1875
Marlow Moss (1889 - 1958)
Marlow Moss
1889 - 1958

Creators Constructivism

Fred Tomaselli (1956)
Fred Tomaselli
1956
Detlef Beer (1963)
Detlef Beer
1963
Leo Svemps (1897 - 1975)
Leo Svemps
1897 - 1975
Valery Nikolaevich Valran (1949)
Valery Nikolaevich Valran
1949
Roland Goeschl (1932 - 2016)
Roland Goeschl
1932 - 2016
Conrad Felixmüller (1897 - 1977)
Conrad Felixmüller
1897 - 1977
Robert Nava (1985)
Robert Nava
1985
Elling Reitan (1949)
Elling Reitan
1949
Gregorio Sciltian (1900 - 1985)
Gregorio Sciltian
1900 - 1985
Tano Festa (1938 - 1988)
Tano Festa
1938 - 1988
Helmut Kolle (1899 - 1931)
Helmut Kolle
1899 - 1931
Francis de Erdely (1904 - 1959)
Francis de Erdely
1904 - 1959
Ernst Schroffenegger (1905 - 1994)
Ernst Schroffenegger
1905 - 1994
Leland Bell (1922 - 1991)
Leland Bell
1922 - 1991
Gerhard Hoehme (1920 - 1989)
Gerhard Hoehme
1920 - 1989
Cornelius Bosch (1956 - 2011)
Cornelius Bosch
1956 - 2011
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