A Romanian-French poet and critic who founded the Dada movement, known for his provocative and avant-garde works that challenged traditional art and literature.
Renowned for being one of the founders and central figures of the anti-establishment Dada movement, Tristan Tzara was a multifaceted Romanian avant-garde poet, essayist, and performance artist. With his pioneering work, he voiced the nihilistic side of Dadaism, leaving an indelible mark on modern art and literature.
Born Samuel or Samy Rosenstock on April 16, 1896, in Romania, Tzara's early life was marked by an innate curiosity and passion for art. Under the influence of Adrian Maniu, he became interested in Symbolism and co-founded the magazine Simbolul with Ion Vinea, where they experimented with poetry and collaborated with painter Marcel Janco.
During World War I, Tzara joined Marcel Janco in Switzerland, where he became a key figure in the early Dada movement. His shows at the Cabaret Voltaire and Zunfthaus zur Waag, as well as his poetry and art manifestos, became a defining feature of Dadaism. His work embodied the movement's spirit of rebellion and anti-conformity.
In 1919, Tzara moved to Paris and became one of the presidents of Dada. He joined the staff of Littérature magazine, which marked the first step in the movement's evolution toward Surrealism. However, this led to polemics with André Breton and Francis Picabia, as well as with Vinea and Janco in Romania, as Tzara defended his principles against more moderate approaches.
Tzara's personal vision on art is reflected in his Dadaist plays, such as The Gas Heart (1921) and Handkerchief of Clouds (1924). As a forerunner of automatist techniques, his work laid the groundwork for future generations of artists and writers.
Eventually, Tzara aligned himself with Breton's Surrealism, and under its influence, wrote his celebrated utopian poem The Approximate Man. In the later part of his career, he combined his humanist and antifascist perspective with a communist vision, joining the Republicans in the Spanish Civil War and the French Resistance during World War II, and serving a term in the National Assembly.
Tristan Tzara's legacy extends beyond his own work, as he played a pivotal role in shaping the course of modern art and literature. His influence can be seen in the works of artists and writers who followed in his footsteps, and his rebellious spirit continues to inspire generations to come.
"Dada is the sign of the times, it is the hurricane that is turning the world inside out."
"Art is not the most precious manifestation of life. Art is a mere means of expression, and it is the duty of the artist to set himself up as a mediator between the world of things and the world of the spirit."
Tzara's contributions to literature and art were recognized during his lifetime, earning him accolades and respect from his peers and contemporaries.
Born in 1886
A founder of the Dada movement, he is known for his experimental poetry and performances that challenged traditional art forms. His work questioned the role of language and meaning in society.
Born in 1887
A pioneering artist who challenged conventional norms by submitting a urinal as art, sparking a revolution in conceptual art and questioning the very definition of art itself.
Born in 1879
A pioneering Dadaist and Surrealist, known for provocative, abstract artworks that challenged traditional representations of reality. His poetry and writings also explored the intersection of art and language.
Born in 1890
A pioneer of avant-garde photography, this artist experimented with techniques like solarization and rayography, creating surreal, dreamlike images that blurred the line between art and photography.
Born in 1896
French poet and author who founded Surrealism, a cultural movement that explored the subconscious and the world of dreams. He wrote novels, poems, and essays that continue to influence art and literature today.
Born in 1880
An Italian-French literary genius who pioneered Cubist poetry, blending fragmented images and multiple narratives to create a new kind of lyrical expression. His work influenced the development of Surrealism and modern art.
Born in 1887
A pioneering modernist writer, known for his experimental poetry and novels that blended fiction and autobiography, capturing the essence of modern urban life.
Born in 1886
A pioneer of Dadaism and Surrealism, this artist created abstract sculptures and paintings that explored the relationship between chance and creativity. Their work continues to inspire artists and designers today.
