bold colors

Color reduction is on of the most evident stylistic accordance between Dada Art and contemporary Protest Art. The cause can be found in practical as well as idealistic rational. Both artistic developments share a strong awareness of their viewership, as the transportation of a (political-)message is integrated in the art work. A clear and memorable display of the written statement is a core element of the design. The reduced color palette, that mainly consists of primary colors and black highlights the idealistic concepts behind both movements. Emphasizing the use of daily, non sophisticated materials, it maximizes the effect on the viewer, with minimal expenditure. The conscious decision towards basic materials, production techniques and design is a shared value, a clear link between both artistic styles.

type as a design medium

Dada Art is a movement that comprises a variety of artistic genres, such as literature, poetry, music and visual art. One of the basic concepts is the junction of these different genres. This is particularly evident in Hugo Ball´s poem KARAWANE. Its written form is set in a variety of typefaces, using a fantasy language, while its performance is a liaison between reading, acting, performance and music. This blending of artistic design and text becomes one of the core elements of Dada Art and strongly influenced contemporary protest art. Type is not separated from the artwork but its main element of expression, transformed to express ideas beyond its written content as a visual tool.

Karawane

Hugo Ball, German, 1886–1927
1917; published 1920

Elle, from the journal "291"

Marius de Zayas, Mexican, 1880–1961
No. 9, November 1915

When in Riot Gear, from the Occuprint Sponsor Portfolio

John Emerson, American, born 1973
2012
© John Emerson

Occupying public space in media:

Following a clear motive, to spread Dada as a movement around the world, the wide distribution of the Dadaistic ideas was very important. The publication of posters, articles, and newspapers was one of the main focuses of Dadaist artists. A large part of the remaining visual oeuvre is therefore in the form of printed magazines and posters. The occupation of public space through newspapers and posters are another strong analogy to contemporary protest art. Even in todays age of social media the written and printed word, especially in the newspaper seems to carry a strong attraction to protest artists. This is evident in the newspaper design of the Guerrilla Girls, as well as Emily Jacir´s work that uses adds in the newspaper to occupy public space.

Marius de Zayas, Mexican, 1880 - 1961

Title page, from the journal "291" (No. 1, March 1915) (portfolio), 1915

Guerrilla Girls, American, founded 1985

Publisher: Guerrilla Girls

Token Times, from the portfolio Guerrilla Girls' Most Wanted: 1985-2006, 1995
© Guerrilla Girls

Emily Jacir, Palestinian, born 1970

Sexy Semite, 2002

© Emily Jacir

Paper as a print medium

Printed posters, artworks and signs are the main medium used in contemporary Protest Art, in spite of the rise of social media and online newsfeeds. Even when used online, such as the Guerilla Girls poster, paper as a medium is still an essential design element. The haptic texture of paper as well as its conceptual qualities make it the preferred material choice of Dadaists and contemporary Protest Artists. Dadaists, such as Marcel Duchamp, used paper as a medium, as it is an article of daily use, unglamorous and non pretentious. A commodity of abundance paper is not elitist and allows easy reproduction and duplication, features that attracted the Occupy movement, that based a large importance of there protests on the paper posters. Marcel Duchamp highlights the quality of paper as a material in his work by using different variations for handwritten notes, creating the illusion of momentarily and chance.

Marcel Duchamp, French, 1887 - 1968

The Bride Stripped Bare by Her Bachelors, Even (The Green Box)

September 1934

© Association Marcel Duchamp / ADAGP, Paris / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York 2017

Guerrilla Girls, American, founded 1985

Publisher: Guerrilla Girls

10 Trashy Ideas about the Environment, from the portfolio Guerrilla Girls' Most Wanted: 1985-2006

1995
© Guerrilla Girls

Nobodycorp. Internationale Unlimited, Indonesian, 21st century

#Occupy Jakarta: Serakah Itu Salah!, from the Occuprint Sponsor Portfolio

2012
© Nobodycorp