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

Christopher Dresser (1834 - 1904)
Christopher Dresser
1834 - 1904
William McTaggart II (1903 - 1981)
William McTaggart II
1903 - 1981
George Hepplewhite (1727 - 1786)
George Hepplewhite
1727 - 1786
Alfred William Rich (1856 - 1921)
Alfred William Rich
1856 - 1921
David Cowan Dobson (1894 - 1980)
David Cowan Dobson
1894 - 1980
Godfrey Kneller (1646 - 1723)
Godfrey Kneller
1646 - 1723
Louisa Courtauld (1729 - 1807)
Louisa Courtauld
1729 - 1807
Matthew Krishanu (1980)
Matthew Krishanu
1980
Henry Wallis (1830 - 1916)
Henry Wallis
1830 - 1916
John Mulcaster Carrick (1833 - 1896)
John Mulcaster Carrick
1833 - 1896
Thomas Girtin (1775 - 1802)
Thomas Girtin
1775 - 1802
Ruskin Spear (1911 - 1990)
Ruskin Spear
1911 - 1990
Leonard Rosoman (1913 - 2012)
Leonard Rosoman
1913 - 2012
Joseph Edward Southall (1861 - 1944)
Joseph Edward Southall
1861 - 1944
Edwin Landseer (1802 - 1873)
Edwin Landseer
1802 - 1873
Callum Innes (1962)
Callum Innes
1962

Creators Constructivism

Fernand Léger (1881 - 1955)
Fernand Léger
1881 - 1955
 Gustave Franciscus de Smet (1877 - 1943)
Gustave Franciscus de Smet
1877 - 1943
Giuseppe Augusto Levis (1879 - 1926)
Giuseppe Augusto Levis
1879 - 1926
André Masson (1896 - 1987)
André Masson
1896 - 1987
Djordje Ozbolt (1967)
Djordje Ozbolt
1967
Rodolfo Morales (1925 - 2001)
Rodolfo Morales
1925 - 2001
Sergey Yevgenievich Sviatchenko (1952)
Sergey Yevgenievich Sviatchenko
1952
Giorgio de Chirico (1888 - 1978)
Giorgio de Chirico
1888 - 1978
Mikhail L'vovich Boychuk (1882 - 1937)
Mikhail L'vovich Boychuk
1882 - 1937
Rudolf Bredow (1909 - 1973)
Rudolf Bredow
1909 - 1973
Salvador Dalí (1904 - 1989)
Salvador Dalí
1904 - 1989
Kurt Scheele (1905 - 1944)
Kurt Scheele
1905 - 1944
Mona Hatoum (1952)
Mona Hatoum
1952
Imre Ámos (1907 - 1944)
Imre Ámos
1907 - 1944
Jindrich Stirsky (1899 - 1942)
Jindrich Stirsky
1899 - 1942
George Bouzianis (1885 - 1959)
George Bouzianis
1885 - 1959
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