War brings about a multitude of reactions in different people, to the artists of the early twentieth century it came in the form of a sense of rebellion. The forceful creative disillusionment, in especially a group of artists, led to the start of an art movement, ‘Dadaism.’
The First World War, mainly between 1916 and 1920, witnessed the rise of ‘Dadaism.’ In 1916, a German, exiled poet, Hugo Ball, set up Cabaret Voltaire, a cafe, in Zurich, Switzerland, where artists, musicians, and writers frequented. The cafe became an abode for unhindered artistic expression and the exchange of ideas, amidst the prevailing feelings of anti-war, running through a large cross section of society. Against this backdrop, ‘Dadaism’ began as an artistic protest, countering the barbaric nature of war. ‘Dada’ is a French word meaning ‘hobbyhorse.’ ‘Dadaism’ was the name chosen, as a paper-knife was found inserted in a dictionary, pointing to the word ‘Dada.’ ‘Dadaism’ thereon became a signatory of the attitudes and beliefs leading to war.
Owing to their revolutionary disposition, ‘Dadaists’ did not conform to the traditional values of art. They aimed to destroy the philosophy and the prevailing materialism & consumerism in the society, which they held morally responsible for rooting the events catalyzing the World War I. Therefore, ‘Dadaist’ works reflected chaos, randomness, and destruction to illustrate the confusion prevailing during this period, thereby attempting to shock, & aware people about this malaise. These artists used materials, such as trash from streets and ready-made items, to signify the unemployment of artisans owing to the war and to the up surging importance of machines over human resource. ‘Dadaism’ was abstract, spontaneous, and creatively absurd to quite an extent.
Marcel Duchamp, a founder of ‘Dadaism’ used humor in this serious artistry. His “Bicycle Wheel (1913),” had a bicycle placed upside down on a kitchen stool, while in “L.H.O.O.Q.,” he painted Mona Lisa with a mustache, to shock the art world. Max Ernst, another ‘Dadaist,’ employed revulsion to dig on the moral consciousness of public. His “Battle of the Fish (1917),” depicts the nerves of a fish as the vibrations of da, da. Other notable ‘Dadaists’ were Francis Picabia, Man Ray, and Beatrice Wood.
‘Dadaism’ was not restricted only to the field of visual arts, but also extended to literature, theatre, and graphic design. The ‘Dadaist’ musicians evolved ethnic chants coupled with a large drum as their style of music. The performers, with black faces, conveyed a structure less and the order less style of ‘Dadaism.’ The movement slowly declined by the late 1920s, with most of its torchbearers transitioning to ‘Surrealism,’ ‘Socialist Realism,’ and the other forms of ‘Modernism.’
By: Annette Labedzki
Archive for the ‘Articles’ category
Christian Art Work – What it is, What It’s Not
April 28th, 2010
Looking for Christian art work?
Before you buy your next Christian art to adorn your walls, think about what it is and is not to make sure you have a quality product as well as making sure you represent Christ to the best of your ability.
It is not necessarily mass-produced, cheesy, or made poorly. It is not necessarily outright religious, portraying a cross, Jesus, an angel, or a church.
Genuine Christian art work is work that truly inspires! This may include a religious symbol or an important Biblical figure, but it may not! What about gorgeous scenery, like a mountain or a beach scene? Well-done photographs and paintings of landscapes can inspire, too! After all, God made the mountains and beaches and more!
He gave His many different talents to everyone, especially the gift of art to some! You can see his wonder everywhere! A beautiful drawing of a rose, a sweet picture of your favorite wild animal…surrounding your home or office with this can also be Christian art work! It gives your eyes a visual feast, a place to rest, a reminder that God is in control!
But it is different in that it does not destroy but builds up. Perhaps the art makes you think, but it is never evil or self-serving! It does not glorify godless behavior. The ultimate goal of Christian art work is to bring you, and others who see your work, into a more intimate relationship with Jesus!
How can it do that? Because as the creator of all things, especially art, he can redeem, heal, touch, encourage, lift up, especially through art!
Why be careful and discerning about what Christian art work is and is not? Because if you put a piece on your walls, realize you are reflecting Christ. Just because a piece of art is stamped with the name “Christian” does not make it necessarily excellent! Poor quality reflects poorly on God, giving nonbelievers ammo to discredit us. And that discredits God!
On the other hand, high quality work, whether blatantly Christian or not, stands out in today’s world of dark art that glorifies evil. It’s not that we should be afraid to put something that smacks of religion on our wall for fear of offending. If it’s good, display it! But along with it, other subjects of art work can be just as Christian and just as inspiring!
By: Dana Susan Beasley
