“The Dada Painters and Poets” by Robert Motherwell is a seminal work that explores the Dada movement, a radical and avant-garde artistic movement that emerged in the early 20th century in Europe and spread across the world. The book provides an in-depth analysis of the artists who were part of the Dada movement, including their ideas, beliefs, and philosophies.

Motherwell explains that the Dada movement was a response to the traumatic events of World War I, and it aimed to reject conventional artistic styles, techniques, and values. Dadaists believed that the traditional art forms were no longer relevant in the modern world and that art should have a purpose beyond aesthetics. They sought to shock and provoke their audience by creating works that were nonsensical, absurd, and irrational.

The book discusses the different mediums used by Dada artists, including painting, sculpture, poetry, performance, and collage. Motherwell also explores the theories behind the Dada movement, such as anti-art, anti-bourgeois, and anti-establishment, which aimed to expose the hypocrisy and absurdity of the society and the art world.

“The Dada painters and poets” is an essential read for anyone interested in the Dada movement, as it provides an insight into the artists who were part of this radical art movement and their ideas, beliefs, and philosophies.

This is a very nice soft cover copy which has lived on my library shelf for many years.

10″ x 7 3/4″  413 pp 1981 2nd edition of 1951 original, Belknap Harvard.