Dada Movement Notes

Dada: An International Movement from 1916

Background

• Dada and Surrealism were dominant movements in the years between the World Wars.
• Both movements originated as a revolt against World War I.
• They questioned the traditional values of society.
• Dada and Surrealism significantly influenced subsequent art movements.
• Dada began as a literary manifestation.
• During World War I, the German writer and poet Hugo Ball established the Cabaret Voltaire in Zurich.
• The Cabaret Voltaire served as a center for artists and writers to share an outlet against the society of their time.
• Cabaret Voltaire was a cross between a nightclub and an art gallery/meeting place.
• It was founded for artistic and political purposes.
• Meetings involved poems being read and paintings being painted.
• "Happenings" (artistic events or performances) were held at Cabaret Voltaire.