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

Carel Victor Morlais Weight (1908 - 1997)
Carel Victor Morlais Weight
1908 - 1997
Joseph Wilton (1722 - 1803)
Joseph Wilton
1722 - 1803
Roger Eliot Fry (1866 - 1934)
Roger Eliot Fry
1866 - 1934
William Shipley (1715 - 1803)
William Shipley
1715 - 1803
Simon Periton (1964)
Simon Periton
1964
Richard Crosse (1742 - 1810)
Richard Crosse
1742 - 1810
Ivan Grazianovich Dombrovsky (1886 - 1961)
Ivan Grazianovich Dombrovsky
1886 - 1961
John Christoforou (1921 - 2014)
John Christoforou
1921 - 2014
Richard Corbould (1757 - 1831)
Richard Corbould
1757 - 1831
Frederick Lee Bridell (1830 - 1863)
Frederick Lee Bridell
1830 - 1863
William Calder Marshall (1813 - 1894)
William Calder Marshall
1813 - 1894
Ian Hamilton Finlay (1925 - 2006)
Ian Hamilton Finlay
1925 - 2006
Alfred Pollentine (1836 - 1890)
Alfred Pollentine
1836 - 1890
James Guthrie (1859 - 1930)
James Guthrie
1859 - 1930
Aaron Lesturgeon ()
Aaron Lesturgeon
Henry Thomas Alken (1785 - 1851)
Henry Thomas Alken
1785 - 1851

Creators Constructivism

Via Lewandowsky (1963)
Via Lewandowsky
1963
Emil Maetzel (1877 - 1955)
Emil Maetzel
1877 - 1955
Friedrich G. Scheuer (1936)
Friedrich G. Scheuer
1936
Margit Anna (Sichermann) (1913 - 1991)
Margit Anna (Sichermann)
1913 - 1991
Alex Gardner (1987)
Alex Gardner
1987
Zbigniew Makowski (1930 - 2019)
Zbigniew Makowski
1930 - 2019
Guy Vandenbranden (1926 - 2014)
Guy Vandenbranden
1926 - 2014
Huang Rui (1952)
Huang Rui
1952
Bikash Bhatacharjee (1940 - 2006)
Bikash Bhatacharjee
1940 - 2006
Tetsuya Ishida (1973 - 2005)
Tetsuya Ishida
1973 - 2005
Willi Sitte (1921 - 2013)
Willi Sitte
1921 - 2013
Rudolf Hoflehner (1916 - 1995)
Rudolf Hoflehner
1916 - 1995
Rudolph Moller (1881 - 1967)
Rudolph Moller
1881 - 1967
Mark Gertler (1891 - 1939)
Mark Gertler
1891 - 1939
Enrico Donati (1909 - 2008)
Enrico Donati
1909 - 2008
Katharina Sieverding (1944)
Katharina Sieverding
1944
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