A momentous but one-sided relationship
The Dadaist reception of non-European art is highlighted in an exhibition at the Berlinische Galerie.
They demanded a radical break with a culture that had allowed the horrors of the First World War – and implemented that break in many of their works. The Dadaists used non-western forms of expression as an important source of inspiration. They were fascinated above all by African art. To mark the 100th anniversary of that influential art movement the Berlinische Galerie is showing about 120 collages, masks and sculptures, many of which are from Africa. The works engage in dialogue with works by important Dada artists. “The works are on an equal footing, there is no hierarchy,” says museum director Thomas Köhler. The show “Dada Africa” will run in Berlin until 7 November 2016.
