What is the thematic context of (Elikan)?

dadaism, collage technique, chance arrangement, geometric forms, fragmented reality

Is (Elikan) under copyright?

No, this artwork is in the public domain.

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(Elikan)

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(Elikan)

Acrylic On Canvas
WallArt
Dadaism
1925
44.0 x 36.0 cm
MOMA - Museum of Modern Art

This piece showcases Schwitters’ masterful manipulation of materials and composition—a cornerstone of Dada aesthetics—demonstrating a deliberate rejection of traditional art forms in favor of embracing spontaneity and fragmentation.

Explore Kurt Schwitters' (1887-1948) innovative art: Dada, Merz collage & installations. Discover his use of found objects & impact on modern art.

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Engraved bronze plaque displaying artist name and translated painting title. Size: 9x2 cm. + $10

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This elegant plaque features the artist's name and the title of the artwork, finely engraved for a timeless presentation.

It is made from bronze with a refined, elegant finish. The text is precisely laser-engraved for a sharp and permanent result. Measuring 9x2 cm, the plaque is compact yet easy to read. It's built to be durable and scratch-resistant, offering a professional, museum-quality look. Mounting is simple thanks to the included adhesive backing.

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It is crafted from clear acrylic, offering a sleek, modern appearance. The text is UV-engraved in black to ensure strong visual contrast. With a size of 10x15 cm, it ensures optimal readability. It comes equipped with two metal hooks for secure wall mounting. The plaque is designed to be weather-resistant, making it suitable for various environments, and it includes interactive features that work seamlessly with smartphone scanning.

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This elegant plaque includes engraved information such as the artist's name, the title of the artwork, the date it was created, the type of media used (like oil on canvas or watercolor), a short description of the artwork, and a QR code for quick access to more information.

The plaque itself is made from refined black acrylic with a premium finish. The text is laser-engraved in white for high contrast and readability. Its size is 10x15 cm, designed to be easy to read. It comes with two metal hooks for professional mounting. The design is sleek and fits any interior style. It is also weather-resistant and durable, with built-in digital integration for mobile compatibility.

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(Elikan)

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Quick Facts

Notable elements or techniques: Found objects & Chance arrangement
Title: (Elikan)
Artistic style: Abstract
Location: Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), New York City, NY, US
Year: 1925
Artist: Kurt Schwitters
Influences: Cubist collage

Art Quiz

There is only one correct answer for each question.

Question 1:

What artistic movement is Kurt Schwitters’ "Elikan" primarily associated with?

Cubism

Impressionism

Dada

Question 2:

The collage utilizes a technique influenced by earlier artists like Jean Arp. What is this technique called?

Oil Painting

Acrylic Pouring

Collage

Question 3:

What is the predominant color palette used in "Elikan", contributing to its dynamic visual effect?

Monochromatic Beige

Primarily Greens and Browns

Varied Shades of Blue, Yellow, Red

Question 4:

What is a key characteristic of Dada art that distinguishes it from traditional academic painting?

Emphasis on meticulous detail

Strict adherence to classical proportions

Incorporation of found objects and chance

Question 5:

The photograph shows signs of wear and tear, suggesting...

It was created in a pristine studio environment.

It is an original artwork from the artist's lifetime.

It has been reproduced from an older source

Collectible Description

Kurt Schwitters’ “Elikan”: A Fragmented Symphony of Dada

Kurt Schwitters’ “Elikan,” created in 1925, stands as a cornerstone of Dadaism and embodies the movement's radical rejection of traditional artistic conventions. More than just an assemblage of found objects—paper scraps, cardboard fragments, painted surfaces—it represents a profound exploration of chance, materiality, and the disintegration of established order amidst the turbulent aftermath of World War I.

Schwitters’ approach to art was fundamentally altered by the devastation wrought upon Europe. Disillusioned with academic formalism, he sought new methods of expression that mirrored the fractured reality surrounding him. Influenced heavily by Cubist collage techniques—specifically those pioneered by Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque—he adopted a strategy of constructing images from disparate elements, prioritizing spontaneity over meticulous planning.

The artwork itself is dominated by geometric forms: rectangles, squares, and triangles intersect and overlap, creating a dynamic visual landscape. Color plays an integral role, utilizing shades of blue, yellow, red, black, and white—a palette deliberately chosen to convey both emotional intensity and intellectual complexity. The textures vary considerably; some areas boast the rough surface of cardboard, while others display the smooth sheen of painted paper, highlighting Schwitters’ masterful manipulation of materials.

Material: Cardboard, Paper Scraps
Technique: Collage (Cut and Paste)
Style: Dada
Dimensions: 43.5 x 36.2 cm

“Elikan,” like many of Schwitters’ Merz Pictures, eschews narrative storytelling in favor of a purely visual experience. Instead, it invites contemplation on concepts of fragmentation and reconstitution—themes central to Dada's critique of bourgeois values and its embrace of irrationality. The piece isn’t merely decorative; it’s a deliberate provocation, urging viewers to confront the instability inherent in modern existence.

Its impact extends beyond its formal qualities. Schwitters’ work anticipates later developments in installation art and conceptual art, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to exploring new possibilities for artistic expression. “Elikan” continues to resonate with audiences today as a testament to the enduring power of Dada's rebellious spirit—a celebration of imperfection and a refusal to accept dogma.

Schwitters’ fascination with the accidental nature of creation is palpable in every element of “Elikan.” The seemingly random arrangement of shapes and colors reflects his belief that art should emerge from unexpected encounters between disparate materials and ideas. This ethos aligns perfectly with Dada's manifesto, which proclaimed "Nothing is beautiful but what is accidental."

The photograph accompanying this description reveals subtle signs of wear—creases and slight discoloration—suggesting that it originates from an older source. However, this patina serves only to underscore the artwork’s historical significance and its enduring presence within the canon of modern art.

Artist Biography

Kurt Schwitters: A Life in Merz

Early Life and Education

Born: June 20, 1887, in Hanover, Germany.
Schwitters was the only child of Eduard and Henriette Schwitters. His father co-owned a ladies' clothing shop.
The family’s financial situation improved after selling the business in 1898, allowing them to live off rental income from properties they acquired.
He studied art at the Dresden Academy from 1909-1915 alongside artists like Otto Dix and George Grosz, though he seemingly remained unaware of their work at the time.
Schwitters suffered his first epileptic seizure in 1901, which later exempted him from military service for a period during World War I.

Artistic Development and the Birth of Merz

Initially, Schwitters worked in a post-impressionist style. His early work reflected this influence.
The devastation of World War I profoundly impacted his artistic direction. He felt traditional academic training was irrelevant in the face of societal collapse.
“In the war, things were in terrible turmoil…everything had broken down and new things had to be made out of the fragments; and this is Merz.”
Around 1918, he began creating abstract collages using found objects – scraps of paper, tickets, and other discarded materials.
The term “Merz” itself came from a fragment of text (“Commerz und Privatbank”) cut from an advertisement and incorporated into one of his early works, *Das Merzbild* (1918-19).

Key Works and Artistic Styles

Merz Pictures: These collages are arguably Schwitters’ most famous contribution. They represent a radical departure from traditional art, embracing chance and the aesthetics of everyday life.
Merzbau: A monumental architectural construction within his home in Hanover, continuously evolving over decades. It was a three-dimensional embodiment of Merz principles – a labyrinthine space filled with niches, grottoes, and found objects.
Assemblage & Installation Art: Schwitters pioneered these forms, blurring the boundaries between painting, sculpture, and architecture.
He also worked in poetry, sound, graphic design, and typography, exploring a wide range of artistic media.

Influences and Connections

Early influences included post-impressionism, but he quickly moved beyond these conventions.
He came into contact with members of the Berlin avant-garde – Raoul Hausmann, Hannah Höch, and Hans Arp – through Herwarth Walden’s *Der Sturm* gallery.
While associated with Dadaism, Schwitters maintained a distinct artistic identity. He was initially rejected by some Dadaists for his ties to expressionism.

Later Life and Legacy

Facing increasing persecution under the Nazi regime due to his “degenerate art,” Schwitters fled Germany in 1937.
He spent time in Norway and England, continuing to create Merz works despite challenging circumstances. He was briefly interned as an enemy alien during World War II.
Died: January 8, 1948, in Ambleside, England.
Kurt Schwitters’ work profoundly influenced subsequent generations of artists, particularly those involved in Pop Art, Minimalism, and Conceptual Art.
His innovative use of found objects and his exploration of the relationship between art and everyday life continue to resonate with contemporary audiences.

Historical Significance

Schwitters’ Merz aesthetic challenged traditional notions of artistic beauty and authorship.
He expanded the definition of art by incorporating non-art materials and blurring the lines between different disciplines.
His work remains a powerful testament to the creative potential of fragmentation, reconstruction, and the embrace of chance.