Kurt Schwitters
Kurt Schwitters
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Kurt Hermann Karl Franz Mauthten (alias: Kaspar Hauser)
Birth and Death Dates
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May 20, 1887 – January 7, 1947
Nationality and Profession(s)
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German-Dutch artist, poet, art theorist, musician, and sculptor
Early Life and Background
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Kurt Schwitters was born in Hanover, Germany, to a family of modest means. His early life was marked by turmoil; his father died when Kurt was just 11 years old. This event would later influence his work, which often explored themes of loss, chaos, and the fragmentary nature of modern life.
Schwitters' artistic inclinations emerged during his teenage years, when he began to explore various mediums, including painting, music, and poetry. In 1908, he enrolled in art school in Hanover but soon abandoned it to pursue a career as an artist.
Major Accomplishments
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Merzbau: Schwitters' most famous creation is the Merzbau, an ever-changing, sprawling installation of found objects, paint, and other materials that filled his living space in Hanover. The Merzbau was both a personal sanctuary and a manifestation of Schwitters' fascination with chaos theory.
Dadaism: In 1917, Schwitters became involved with the Dada movement, which sought to challenge traditional notions of art and culture. He contributed to various Dada publications and exhibitions, including the legendary Cabaret Voltaire in Zurich.
Notable Works or Actions
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Some notable works by Schwitters include:
'Das Undbild' (The Picture Without an Image): A series of photographs featuring found objects arranged to form abstract compositions.
'Die Sonderbund-Ausstellung': In 1912, Schwitters participated in this exhibition, which showcased avant-garde art from around Europe.
Impact and Legacy
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Schwitters' artistic innovations continue to inspire contemporary artists. His emphasis on found objects, chance processes, and the ephemeral nature of experience paved the way for future movements like Pop Art and Conceptualism.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Kurt Schwitters is often quoted for his insightful comments on art, chaos theory, and the human condition. His words offer a glimpse into the creative process and provide context for understanding the significance of his work.
Schwitters' legacy extends beyond his own creations; he played a crucial role in shaping modern art's trajectory. His commitment to experimentation and nonconformity continues to inspire artists, writers, and thinkers today.
Quotes by Kurt Schwitters
Kurt Schwitters's insights on:
My name is Schwitters, Kurt Schwitters.... ...I'm a painter and I nail my pictures... ...I'd like to be accepted into the Dada Club
Inspiration,' the false artist says,'it just comes to me.' And it shows.His pictures are as like as the four walls of his room -- morning, evening, midnight, noon. For myself, I have to search for it. The whole world is your palate, but only if you reach, take hold of what you need and pocket it.
Art is a spiritual function of man, which aims at freeing him from life's chaos. Art is free in the use of its means in any way it likes, but is bound to its laws and to its laws alone. The minute it becomes art, it becomes much more sublime than a class distinction between proletariat and bourgeoisie.
Invest your money in Dada! Dada is the only savings bank that pays interest in the hereafter!
I could see no reason why used tram tickets, bits of driftwood, buttons and old junk from attics and rubbish heaps should not serve well as materials for paintings; they suited the purpose just as well as factory-made paints It is possible to cry out using bits of old rubbish, and that's what I did, gluing and nailing them together.
Merz art strives for immediate expression by shortening the path from intuition to visual manifestation of the artwork... they will receive my new work als they always have when something new presents itself: with indignation and screams of scorn.
