Artists  •  Artworks under the lens

Collage with Squares Arranged According to the Laws of Chance by Kurt Schwitters

Kurt Schwitters, who is now considered a Dadaist movement’s pioneer and a significant figure in 20th century art for his groundbreaking approach to collaging, had a profound impact on both form and function of art. The most awe-inspiring of his creations is “Collage with Squares Arranged According to the Laws of Chance,” which embodies the artist’s innovative and philosophical principles. In this piece we will talk about the life and art of Kurt Schwitters, the mysterious painting discussed and some intriguing details surrounding it.

Who was Kurt Schwitters?

Portrait of Kurt Schwitters
Portrait of Kurt Schwitters

Kurt Schwitters, who was born in Hanover, Germany, in 1887, was a visionary artist with world-renowned creative accomplishments in the realm of modern art. From his childhood Schwitters demonstrated creative inclinations striving to explore different styles and unique methods. However, it was his adventure into the Merz technique that would eventually catapult him to become the luminaria of art.

His Career

During his artistic career, Schwitters displayed a remarkable resilience and ingenuity. Although this was against many odds and faced some opposition, he was always himself and would not give up on trying his best for the creative ends. As with Merz pieces, a collage-like composition and the use of found materials characterized geometric abstract paintings. They undermined common aesthetic perceptions. By the prodigious amount of work he accomplished and by being steadfast in his diligence to his art, Schwitters became a leading figure in Dadaism and Constructivism, a movement that is still affecting newer generations of artists.

What is Happening in “Collage with Squares Arranged According to the Laws of Chance”?

Collage with Squares Arranged According to the Laws of Chance
Collage with Squares Arranged According to the Laws of Chance
Artist Kurt Schwitters
Date Created1917
MediumCollage
GenreDadaism
PeriodEarly 20th century
DimensionsApproximately 32 x 27 centimeters
Series / VersionsN/A
Where is it housed?Private Collection / Various Art Institutions Worldwide

“Collage with Squares Arranged According to the Laws of Chance” was created in 1917 and remains a classic example of Schwitters’ revolutionary technique in collage. This artwork measures around 32 by 27 centimeters and consists of an array of colored squares effectively placed on a rectangular grid. At first sight the composition seems abstract, but upon closer examination, an order becomes apparent.

The placement of each square was determined by Schwitters using a technique of random chance, which reflects his fascination with the unpredictable nature of existence. Although the composition appears to have a rather random layout, it carries a feeling of unity and symmetry, implying a streamlining system behind the disorder, a topic that is closely associated with Schwitters’ work.

The collage medium provided Schwitters with an opportunity to reuse ordinary materials like paper bits, tickets, and adverts which gave his work a number of levels of meanings and significance to the culture. Through the integration of these found objects into his works, Schwitters questioned traditional concepts of art and turned the mundane into high art.

Interesting Facts about the Artwork

Chance and Order: Schwitters’ use of chance in arranging the squares challenges the traditional notion of artistic control, inviting viewers to contemplate the role of randomness in the creative process.

Influence on Contemporary Art: “Collage with Squares Arranged According to the Laws of Chance” foreshadowed the emergence of abstract expressionism and conceptual art, influencing generations of artists to explore new avenues of artistic expression.

Legacy of Merz: The concept of “Merz” permeates Schwitters’ body of work, representing his quest to find coherence in the chaos of modern life—a theme that continues to resonate in contemporary art.

Fragmentation and Unity: Through the juxtaposition of disparate elements, Schwitters sought to reconcile fragmentation with unity, offering a profound commentary on the human condition and the quest for meaning amidst chaos.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Kurt Schwitters inspired by?

Schwitters was drawn to the newly formed Dada school shortly after World War I. Dada was a nihilistic literary and creative movement that aimed to destroy preexisting aesthetic norms. 

Why was Kurt Schwitters important?

In 1917, Schwitters worked as a draftsman in the armed forces before experimenting with Cubist and Expressionist approaches. His earliest collages were created in 1918, and he coined the term “Merz” in 1919 to refer to all of his artistic endeavors, including collage and constructions, poetry, and other media. 

Conclusion

Being known as one of the shocking figures in art history, Kurt Schwitters through his outstanding The Collage with Squares Arranged According to the Laws of Chance proves to be the contributor of a number of changes in the development of contemporary arts. By his radical method of collage and in his attitude to chance, Schwitters was challenging the artistic conventions and extending the limits of creative expression, so his heritage represents an inexhaustible source of creative inspiration for the artists as well as for art lovers.