Assignment # 2 "Dada Manifesto"

Born: May 6, 1880 in Aschaffenburg, Bavaria

Died: June 15, 1938

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner was a German painter, a print-maker, and one of the key founders and teacher of the expressionist movement. He was a member of the group called the Die Brucke or "The Bridge". He volunteered and fought in the first World War, but was discharged after a mental breakdown. Kirchner was forced to spend the next two years in a mental institution. In 1933 his art work was considered too modern (degenerated) for the Nazi's and this led to the destruction of several of his art work Hitler. Kirchner committed suicide shortly after and died in 1938.  


Expressionism Era:

Expressionism is an art form that allows an artist the freedom to truly express his/her feeling in a paintings that depicts a dreamy, somber mood.

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner (1880-1938)
1. The Red Tower in Halle 1915 -
2. Davos Barszene 1913 - dry point with plate mark on light wove paper
3. Nollendorf Square 1912 - oil on canvas

The Red Tower in Halle

Depicits - a cold winter night.
Genre - city scape
Technique - oil
Material - canvas
Tags - houses, bulidings, gates, and towers
Color - bright red, black, gray,

Meaning - my interpretation of this painting is a cold winter night during a heavy snow storm. The sky is cloudy and there is almost no activity in the town except the trains going back and forth. The chimneys from the houses show heavy thick smoke. The roundabout in the center of town is dark except for its red base. It appears to be the center of the city. The houses are close together and some seems to be attached,  there are no trees for added beautification, and no security officers or guards to provide safety and enforced the laws. 

     Nihilism is noted by the shape and the closeness of the buildings, and the tower in the center of town. Having a railway instead of horses shows that the German society was changing and becoming modernized. The portrait show the culture of the new and uprising German society and the artist ability to express his self and his true feeling. Social conditions portrayed are that of a productive wealthy stable society. The houses are kept warm by a fire place, the town is quiet and desolate at nights no security is necessary to maintain peace or enforce the laws.

Davos Barszene
Technique -dry point with plate mark
Material - light wove paper
Color - black, white

Depicts - deep thought and sharing of information among middle age men and women.

Meaning - my interpretation is that of middle age men and women drinking at a bar/lounge while sharing important information. They all appear to be thinking about events that are occurring around them and the effects it may have on them. Seems like a conversation about politics. All the objects seem focused and in deep thought.

      Nihilism is noted in the body language of the subjects its like they are discussing the effects of their present political conflict, the effects it have on each of them and what may happen if changes are made. I view the objects distorted look and facial expression as one of disgust and political insult to their society and a desire for change. Noted social conditions are those of possible political changes, desire for change in living and working conditions, and relief for the oppressed.

Nollendorf Square

Technique- oil
Genre - city scape
Material - canvas
Tags - buses, houses, buildings,
Colors - yellow, green, blue, black

Depicts - a busy and congested community with working class citizens and family members on a cold day.

Meaning - my interpretation is one of a working class/middle class society composed of adults with children,  it seems as if everyone is minding his or her business with no interest or concern for each other. The people are all dressed in winter attire (hats, coats, scarves, and boots). There is a local transportation system however most the people are seen walking. The buildings are close together and portrays a strong community.

      Nihilism is displayed through the actions of each individual as they move about independently while focusing on themselves and the task at. The movement for change is seen as people try to break away and isolate themselves from each other. There appears to be tension among the people and a lack of value. Social conditions are a crowded community, lack of unity and togetherness, and possibly growing economy with focus on culture and identity (most of the citizens are dressed alike).

artyfactory.com/art.../timelines/modern_art_timeline.htm

     How does one achieve eternal bliss? By saying dada. How does one become famous? By saying dada. with a noble gesture and delicate propriety. Till one goes crazy. Till one loses consciousness. How can one get rid of everything that smacks of journalism, worms, everything nice and right, blinkered, moralistic, euorpeanised, enervated? By saying dada. Dada is the world soul, dada is the pawn shop. Dada is the world's best lily-milk soap. Dada Mr. Rubiner, dada Mr. Korrodi. Dada Mr. Anastasius Lilienstein. In plain language: the hospitality of the Swiss is something to be profoundly appreciated. And in questions of aesthetics the key is quality. 

Dada Manifesto (1916, Hugo Ball) Wikisource, the free online library
http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Dada__manifesto_(1916).

     Dadaism offer individuals the opportunity to feel free while expressing political like and dislikes in their immediate setting. Saying dada empowers people to voice their meaning of life, experiences, events, and art. Dadaism encourages us to fight for change within society. It provides the true picture of corruption within society. It signifies the strength of a lion, or the will of the fittest. Dadaism is also important as it helps us to look beyond the false picture and promises of politicians and different people we associate with. It provides the true picture of corruption within society. Changes made through dadism are usually forceful; they often defy authorities and their established laws while destroying meaningless culture. Being the best lily-milk soap it is possible for dadaism to cleanse society of its corruption, greed, ugliness, inequalities, prejudices, and all actions deemed unworthy and valueless. Supporters and believers of dadaism believe such changes can increase productivity, economy, education, unity among citizens, and hope for a better tomorrow.

      I believe Hugo Ball is trying to tell us that change can be good; even though he writes that becoming famous or achieving eternal bliss is manifested after one loses consciousness or goes crazy. My interpretation is that the author believes the path to achieving changes are usually disruptive and damaging and quite often they cannot be avoided. He believes persistence will lead to success and positive changes.

     Hugo Ball highlighted that "Dada is the world soul", "Dada is the pawn shop", and "Dada is the world's best lily-milk soap". My reason for choosing the above quote lies in my hope for the future. I view dadaism as a tool that allows everyone the opportunity to be his/her true self. Through this trades or exchanges can be made for a better choice of life or a brighter tomorrow, and it can also aid to rid society of all social, economic, and racial injustice.

      I strongly agree with the chosen quote, as it relates to everything we are presently experiencing within our modern day society. It depicts the political conflict between the elected head of state and the nominated contender. The broken promises, false hope for the future, injustice and feeling of oppression among the people, high inflation, destruction of culture, and a society with no value. Trying to understand Hugo Ball's quote made me realize that life and the desire for changes can be a vicious road, however we have to be diligent in our actions and work hard to achieve what we hope for.