Dadaist - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

art movement

A Dadaist is a member of the Dada movement, an avant-garde art and literary movement that emerged in the early 20th century, particularly during and after World War I. The movement is characterized by its rejection of traditional artistic values and its embrace of chaos and absurdity. Dadaists often experimented with unconventional materials and techniques, creating works that challenged the established norms of art and culture. The Dada movement has had a lasting impact on modern art, influencing later movements such as Surrealism and Conceptual Art.

Synonyms

avant-gardist, nonsensical artist.

Examples of usage

The Dadaist challenged conventional aesthetics.
Many famous works were created by Dadaists during the movement.
Marcel Duchamp is a well-known Dadaist artist.
Dadaists staged performances that were often nonsensical.
The influence of Dadaists can be seen in contemporary art.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The Dada movement started around 1916 during World War I, as a reaction against the horrors of war.
It began in Zurich, Switzerland, where artists and writers gathered at a cabaret to express their disdain for society’s norms.
The name 'Dada' was chosen randomly, reflecting its rejection of traditional logic and meaning.

Art and Literature

Dada artists used techniques like collage and photomontage, combining various unrelated images to create surprising effects.
Many Dada works featured absurd performances and poetry, often intended to confuse or provoke the audience.
Marcel Duchamp’s 'Fountain', a urinal turned into art, is a famous example that sparked debate about what art really means.

Philosophy

Dadaism challenged the very notion of art by saying anything could be considered art, as long as it questioned traditional values.
The movement emphasized spontaneous expression and the importance of the irrational over reason.
It was influenced by surrealism later on, which explored the unconscious mind and dream-like logic.

Cultural Impact

Dada laid the groundwork for later avant-garde movements, influencing contemporary art, performance, and literature.
Its playful nature inspired artists in the punk and postmodern movements that embraced chaos and subversion.
Dadaism can be seen as a precursor to art forms like performance art and installation art, which challenge audience perceptions.

Notable Figures

Tristan Tzara, a founding member, wrote the Dada Manifesto outlining the principles of the movement.
Hannah Höch was a significant female Dada artist known for her innovative collages and critique of gender roles.
Other prominent figures include Marcel Duchamp, Jean Arp, and Kurt Schwitters, each contributing uniquely to the Dada ethos.

Origin of 'dadaist'

The term 'Dadaist' derives from the Dada movement, which began in the early 20th century, primarily in Zurich, Switzerland, as a response to the horrors of World War I. The name 'Dada' itself is thought to be derived from a child's term for a hobby horse, but it also symbolizes the absurdity and randomness that the movement embraced. Dada artists rejected traditional artistic standards, embracing chaos and irrationality, which they believed reflected the societal disillusionment of the time. Key figures in the movement include artists like Tristan Tzara, Marcel Duchamp, and Henri Matisse, who sought to challenge the conventions of art and provoke thought. Dadaism's impact extended beyond visual arts into literature, music, and performance, laying the groundwork for many contemporary art movements. As a result, a 'Dadaist' is not just an artist but a revolutionary thinker who sought to redefine the very essence of art during a tumultuous period in history.

Dadaist Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations