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

Peter Phillips (1939)
Peter Phillips
1939
Sandra Ackermann (1974)
Sandra Ackermann
1974
Thomas Hill (1829 - 1908)
Thomas Hill
1829 - 1908
Max Beerbohm (1872 - 1956)
Max Beerbohm
1872 - 1956
Richard Gilson Reeve (1803 - 1889)
Richard Gilson Reeve
1803 - 1889
Robert Hennell (1741 - 1811)
Robert Hennell
1741 - 1811
John William Buxton Knight (1843 - 1908)
John William Buxton Knight
1843 - 1908
John Charlton (1849 - 1917)
John Charlton
1849 - 1917
Mary Edmonia Lewis (1845 - 1907)
Mary Edmonia Lewis
1845 - 1907
Patrick MacDowell (1799 - 1870)
Patrick MacDowell
1799 - 1870
John McLauchlan Milne (1885 - 1957)
John McLauchlan Milne
1885 - 1957
Richard Humphry (1942)
Richard Humphry
1942
Richard Brydges Beechey (1808 - 1895)
Richard Brydges Beechey
1808 - 1895
Henry Clarence Whaite (1828 - 1912)
Henry Clarence Whaite
1828 - 1912
Walter Joseph Phillips (1884 - 1963)
Walter Joseph Phillips
1884 - 1963
Ethelbert White (1891 - 1972)
Ethelbert White
1891 - 1972

Creators Constructivism

Jirō Takamatsu (1936 - 1998)
Jirō Takamatsu
1936 - 1998
Hans Richter (1888 - 1976)
Hans Richter
1888 - 1976
Josef Scharl (1896 - 1954)
Josef Scharl
1896 - 1954
Peter Calmés (1900 - 1968)
Peter Calmés
1900 - 1968
Michael Quistrebert (1982)
Michael Quistrebert
1982
Zinaida Yevgenyevna Serebriakova (1884 - 1967)
Zinaida Yevgenyevna Serebriakova
1884 - 1967
André Masson (1896 - 1987)
André Masson
1896 - 1987
Ettore DeGrazia (1909 - 1982)
Ettore DeGrazia
1909 - 1982
Franz Bischoff (1864 - 1929)
Franz Bischoff
1864 - 1929
Roger Raveel (1921 - 2013)
Roger Raveel
1921 - 2013
Ernest Engel-Pak (1885 - 1965)
Ernest Engel-Pak
1885 - 1965
Otto Dix (1891 - 1969)
Otto Dix
1891 - 1969
Débora Arango (1907 - 2005)
Débora Arango
1907 - 2005
Miriam Schapiro (1923 - 2015)
Miriam Schapiro
1923 - 2015
Enrico Brandani (1914 - 1979)
Enrico Brandani
1914 - 1979
Willy Knoop (1888 - 1966)
Willy Knoop
1888 - 1966
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