Dada is a term referring to a cultural movement that emerged in the early 20th century. This avant-garde movement rejected conventional artistic and societal values, embracing irrationality, chaos, and absurdity as a means of protest against the destructive nature of World War I and the rigidity of traditional artistic practices.
Derived from the French word "dada," meaning "hobbyhorse" or "rocking horse," Dada aimed to dismantle the established norms of art, literature, and social conduct. It incorporated diverse artistic mediums such as visual art, poetry, performance, and manifestos to challenge traditional notions of artistic expression.
Dadaists rejected logical and rational thinking, embracing the idea of chance and the spontaneous. The movement often included elements of satire, irony, and nonsensical humor in its artworks and performances, emphasizing the role of the subconscious and undermining the serious and often pompous attitudes of the art world.
Dada can be seen as a precursor to various artistic movements, including Surrealism, Pop Art, and Fluxus. It had a significant impact on the development of contemporary art, leading to a shift in artistic practices towards more experimental and conceptual approaches.
Overall, "dada" represents an influential and rebellious cultural movement that sought to challenge societal norms, artistic conventions, and the established order through irrationality, chaos, and absurdity.
