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

Joseph Nollekens (1737 - 1823)
Joseph Nollekens
1737 - 1823
Jan Siberechts (1627 - 1700)
Jan Siberechts
1627 - 1700
John Berney Ladbrooke (1803 - 1879)
John Berney Ladbrooke
1803 - 1879
George Clausen (1852 - 1944)
George Clausen
1852 - 1944
Simon Loasby (1968)
Simon Loasby
1968
Malcolm Morley (1931 - 2018)
Malcolm Morley
1931 - 2018
Julian Opie (1958)
Julian Opie
1958
George James Frampton (1860 - 1928)
George James Frampton
1860 - 1928
James Aldridge ()
James Aldridge
Leonora Carrington (1917 - 2011)
Leonora Carrington
1917 - 2011
 STICK (1979)
STICK
1979
Ged Quinn (1963)
Ged Quinn
1963
Thomas Daniell (1749 - 1840)
Thomas Daniell
1749 - 1840
Thomas Jones (1742 - 1803)
Thomas Jones
1742 - 1803
Ronald Moody (1900 - 1984)
Ronald Moody
1900 - 1984
David Jagger (1891 - 1958)
David Jagger
1891 - 1958

Creators Constructivism

Paul Lehmann-Brauns (1885 - 1970)
Paul Lehmann-Brauns
1885 - 1970
Peter Hirsch (1889 - 1978)
Peter Hirsch
1889 - 1978
Vladimir Yevgrafovich Tatlin (1885 - 1953)
Vladimir Yevgrafovich Tatlin
1885 - 1953
Fritz Schaefler (1888 - 1954)
Fritz Schaefler
1888 - 1954
Tim Verfaillie (1893 - 1934)
Tim Verfaillie
1893 - 1934
Benjamin Péret (1899 - 1959)
Benjamin Péret
1899 - 1959
Armando Marino (1968)
Armando Marino
1968
Ernest Engel-Pak (1885 - 1965)
Ernest Engel-Pak
1885 - 1965
Rimas Zigmas Biciunas (1945)
Rimas Zigmas Biciunas
1945
Héctor Julio Bernabó (Carybé) (1911 - 1997)
Héctor Julio Bernabó (Carybé)
1911 - 1997
Neith Nevelson (1946)
Neith Nevelson
1946
Nikolai Benois (1901 - 1988)
Nikolai Benois
1901 - 1988
Alberto Martini (1876 - 1954)
Alberto Martini
1876 - 1954
Georges Gimel (1898 - 1962)
Georges Gimel
1898 - 1962
Ernst Marow (1934 - 2018)
Ernst Marow
1934 - 2018
Karl-Heinz Hansen-Bahia (1915 - 1978)
Karl-Heinz Hansen-Bahia
1915 - 1978
× Create a Search Subscription