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

Richard Burchett (1815 - 1875)
Richard Burchett
1815 - 1875
Terry Frost (1915 - 2003)
Terry Frost
1915 - 2003
Donald Hamilton Fraser (1929 - 2009)
Donald Hamilton Fraser
1929 - 2009
Jessie Constance Alicia Traill (1881 - 1967)
Jessie Constance Alicia Traill
1881 - 1967
Luise Kimme (1939 - 2013)
Luise Kimme
1939 - 2013
Frederick Hollyer (1838 - 1933)
Frederick Hollyer
1838 - 1933
Henry Augustus Lunn (1905 - 1986)
Henry Augustus Lunn
1905 - 1986
Colin Reid (1953)
Colin Reid
1953
William Gilpin (1724 - 1804)
William Gilpin
1724 - 1804
James Collinson (1825 - 1881)
James Collinson
1825 - 1881
Ernest Crofts (1847 - 1911)
Ernest Crofts
1847 - 1911
Alexander Nasmyth (1758 - 1840)
Alexander Nasmyth
1758 - 1840
Leon Kossoff (1926 - 2019)
Leon Kossoff
1926 - 2019
Nathaniel Mills I (1746 - 1843)
Nathaniel Mills I
1746 - 1843
Vincent Clare (1855 - 1930)
Vincent Clare
1855 - 1930
John Roddam Spencer Stanhope (1829 - 1908)
John Roddam Spencer Stanhope
1829 - 1908

Creators Constructivism

Friedrich Kuhn (1926 - 1972)
Friedrich Kuhn
1926 - 1972
Wojciech Fangor (1922 - 2015)
Wojciech Fangor
1922 - 2015
Thomas Ring (1892 - 1983)
Thomas Ring
1892 - 1983
Cyrus Overbeck (1970)
Cyrus Overbeck
1970
Markey Robinson (1918 - 1999)
Markey Robinson
1918 - 1999
Jean Perret (1910 - 2003)
Jean Perret
1910 - 2003
Arturo Vermi (1928 - 1988)
Arturo Vermi
1928 - 1988
Willi Baumeister (1889 - 1955)
Willi Baumeister
1889 - 1955
Emilio Pettoruti (1892 - 1971)
Emilio Pettoruti
1892 - 1971
Léopold Survage (1879 - 1968)
Léopold Survage
1879 - 1968
Janet Cooling (1951 - 2022)
Janet Cooling
1951 - 2022
Richard Mortensen (1910 - 1993)
Richard Mortensen
1910 - 1993
Mersad Berber (1940 - 2012)
Mersad Berber
1940 - 2012
Mandy McCartin (1958)
Mandy McCartin
1958
Via Lewandowsky (1963)
Via Lewandowsky
1963
Leno Prestini (1906 - 1963)
Leno Prestini
1906 - 1963
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