Dada Manifesto

            The art movement Dada, is perhaps one of the most questioned and analyzed movements. It almost prides itself on being nonsensical and enraging half of the art world. Concept is what people beg for when looking at art works, however when it comes to a Dada piece, one can be very disappointed when they realize the point could possibly be to have no point. Not every art piece, has to have a meaning, although many people would rather force a meaning than accept this idea when viewing art.

            Dada took place in the early and mid-1900’s, however it is also a timeless art form. Marcel Duchamp’s, Fountain, made in 1917, is a clear example of Dada. This piece made many angry, and questioning Duchamp, however, it came to be realized, he just helped to create a new art movement that did not have to involve the intricacies from a paintbrush. Dada is about taking everyday objects, and presenting them in a new context and light that one might not have otherwise thought for that object. Another Dada artist, would be Morizio Cattelan. His work is much more recent, showing that even today Dada somehow still maintains its relevance. Cattelan’s, Him, made in 2001, is the body of a twelve year old boy, with Hitler’s head. Although so many meanings can be drawn from this when an audience views this, they will get no answer at all as to what it means. Cattelan, does not answer questions about his works, which perhaps makes him fit into the Dada movement more. Dada is full of strange ideas, however when they cannot even be explained is when it gives more of a sense of Dada overall.

            Dada is not just a movement that should be overlooked just because it may not appeal to all or meet the ideas and standards of many art critics. Today, this art form is much more respected, and many are often perplexed and just wishing they could force a meaning onto the works. However, when viewing Dada, one must keep in mind, that not everything they see has to mean something. It is almost as if Dada is there to make people uncomfortable, and really question what art is.