Heteronym
05-Jan-2012, 12:57
Although not one of the most prominent dadaist artists, Hans Richter was there in Zurich, in 1916, when Tristan Tzara, Hugo Ball, and others opened up the Cabaret Voltaire and started Dada. A member from the start, participating in the exhibitions without getting involved in the fights for control of the group, Richter became the perfect witness of the early history of Dada.
His book is an informal history book, more a memoir than rigorous historical research, and he's honest to point out what he saw firsthand, what he learned from reading, and what he was told by other members of Dada. Part memoir, part history book, part gossip, it's a book crackling with energy and passion for art and life.
Richter managed to meet most artists who belonged to the group; even after the Zurich group split after WWI ended, he kept in touch with artists starting their own dada versions across the world - New York, Berlin, Paris, Hanover, where Kurt Schwitters created his art alone, and Cologne, home of Max Ernst, who also worked alone, before achieving worldwide fame.
Richter gives a good assessment of each dada group and its evolution throughout history, as wel as its influence on modern art - Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, etc. The book goes up to the 1960s, since Richter passed away in 1976.
It's one of the best art books I've ever read in my life. I re-read it all the time. It's funny, smart, moving, and it's written by someone who was really there. There are other great books about Dada, but this is my favourite.
His book is an informal history book, more a memoir than rigorous historical research, and he's honest to point out what he saw firsthand, what he learned from reading, and what he was told by other members of Dada. Part memoir, part history book, part gossip, it's a book crackling with energy and passion for art and life.
Richter managed to meet most artists who belonged to the group; even after the Zurich group split after WWI ended, he kept in touch with artists starting their own dada versions across the world - New York, Berlin, Paris, Hanover, where Kurt Schwitters created his art alone, and Cologne, home of Max Ernst, who also worked alone, before achieving worldwide fame.
Richter gives a good assessment of each dada group and its evolution throughout history, as wel as its influence on modern art - Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, etc. The book goes up to the 1960s, since Richter passed away in 1976.
It's one of the best art books I've ever read in my life. I re-read it all the time. It's funny, smart, moving, and it's written by someone who was really there. There are other great books about Dada, but this is my favourite.