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
Kurt Schwitters. Untitled (Am Steinhuder Meer) - Now at the auction

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Creators United Kingdom

May Morris (1862 - 1938)
May Morris
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Joseph Wilton (1722 - 1803)
Joseph Wilton
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Agostino Brunias (1730 - 1796)
Agostino Brunias
1730 - 1796
George James Frampton (1860 - 1928)
George James Frampton
1860 - 1928
Quentin Saxby Blake (1932)
Quentin Saxby Blake
1932
George Chinnery (1774 - 1852)
George Chinnery
1774 - 1852
Philip Hermogenes Calderon (1833 - 1898)
Philip Hermogenes Calderon
1833 - 1898
Robert Walker MacBeth (1848 - 1910)
Robert Walker MacBeth
1848 - 1910
Jonathan Monk (1969)
Jonathan Monk
1969
William Shipley (1715 - 1803)
William Shipley
1715 - 1803
Frederick Landseer Griggs (1876 - 1938)
Frederick Landseer Griggs
1876 - 1938
John Morgan (1822 - 1885)
John Morgan
1822 - 1885
Cecil Gordon Lawson (1849 - 1882)
Cecil Gordon Lawson
1849 - 1882
Robert Abercromby ()
Robert Abercromby
Kate Malone (1959)
Kate Malone
1959
Frederick Nash (1782 - 1856)
Frederick Nash
1782 - 1856

Creators Constructivism

Cornelia Gurlitt (1890 - 1919)
Cornelia Gurlitt
1890 - 1919
Nadežda Petrović (1873 - 1915)
Nadežda Petrović
1873 - 1915
Max Gubler (1898 - 1973)
Max Gubler
1898 - 1973
Sergey Alekseevich Luchishkin (1902 - 1989)
Sergey Alekseevich Luchishkin
1902 - 1989
Josef Sudek (1896 - 1976)
Josef Sudek
1896 - 1976
Portia Zvavahera (1985)
Portia Zvavahera
1985
Aron Froimovich Bukh (1923 - 2006)
Aron Froimovich Bukh
1923 - 2006
Arnold Schoenberg (1874 - 1951)
Arnold Schoenberg
1874 - 1951
Hermann Scherer (1893 - 1927)
Hermann Scherer
1893 - 1927
Harold Ancart (1980)
Harold Ancart
1980
Arthur Polonsky (1925 - 2019)
Arthur Polonsky
1925 - 2019
Jan Muche (1975)
Jan Muche
1975
Henry Moore (1898 - 1986)
Henry Moore
1898 - 1986
Reinhard Stangl (1950)
Reinhard Stangl
1950
Mona Hatoum (1952)
Mona Hatoum
1952
Oskar Schlemmer (1888 - 1943)
Oskar Schlemmer
1888 - 1943
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