Why did Dada emerge after World War I?
Artists were disgusted and disillusioned by the war and felt society’s systems (politics, religion, art) had failed.
What was Dada’s attitude toward belief systems?
Dada rejected ALL belief systems and mocked anything society considered “truth.”
How did Dada view civilization and progress?
They attacked the civilization that caused war and rejected the idea of progress, especially mechanized warfare.
Was Dada a style?
No—Dada was a series of anarchic acts aimed at destroying tradition and the past.
What methods did Dada use to break rules?
Childlike behaviour, nonsense, absurdity, and chance techniques.
What does the word “Dada” mean?
It is deliberately meaningless; often linked to the random word “hobbyhorse.”
Why did Dada embrace the illogical?
To challenge rational thinking and show the absurdity of society.
Besides protest, what mood did Dada include?
Humour, playfulness, spontaneity, and fun.
What big questions did Dada raise?
“What is art?” “Who is an artist?” “What makes art valuable?”
How did Dada treat beauty standards?
They rejected traditional beauty and showed it is a social construct.
What did Dada dislike about modern technology?
Machines and weapons that caused destruction and shaped society negatively
What did ready-mades challenge?
The belief that art must be hand-made by the artist or show skill.
How did Dada use everyday objects?
They redefined ordinary objects as art through choice and context.
What is “Bicycle Wheel” by Duchamp?
A readymade combining a bicycle wheel and a wooden stool.
How does Bicycle Wheel question the pedestal?
It turns the everyday stool into the artwork’s pedestal, mocking art display traditions.
How does Duchamp change the objects?
He removes their function: the wheel spins but serves no purpose; the stool is not used to sit.
What was Duchamp’s main focus in Bicycle Wheel?
The idea/concept is more important than craftsmanship or beauty.
What does the spinning wheel represent?
Modern society’s illusion of movement but actual lack of progress.
What mood does Bicycle Wheel include?
Play and humor—Duchamp liked watching the wheel spin for relaxation.
