Kurt Schwitters Quotes

Powerful Kurt Schwitters for Daily Growth

About Kurt Schwitters

Kurt Schwitters (June 20, 1887 – January 8, 1948) was a German artist, poet, and leading figure of the Dada movement. Born in Hanover, Germany, he showed an early interest in art, music, and poetry. His career spanned various artistic movements, including Expressionism, Cubism, and Constructivism, culminating in his unique style known as Merz. Schwitters studied at the Royal Academy of Art in Hannover from 1909 to 1913 but was expelled for participating in an exhibition without permission. This event marked a turning point in his life, leading him towards more unconventional artistic practices. During World War I, he served as a soldier and was severely injured, leaving him with a limp for the rest of his life. In 1918, Schwitters co-founded the Hanover Dada group. His involvement in Dada led to numerous performances, poetry readings, and experimental artworks, including the infamous "Hannover Dada Ball." After the movement's decline, he developed his Merz concept, an artistic philosophy that sought to break down the boundaries between different art forms and materials. In 1937, as the Nazi regime grew more oppressive, Schwitters destroyed many of his works deemed "degenerate" by the Nazis. He managed to flee Germany in 1937, settling first in Norway, then Denmark, and finally England, where he continued his artistic practice. Schwitters' major works include the Merz Barn, a structure covered in found objects, built in England; "Ursonate," an avant-garde sound poem; and "Merz Pictures," collages made from fragments of newspapers, advertisements, and other everyday items. Despite the many challenges he faced, Schwitters' pioneering spirit and innovative approach to art continue to influence artists today.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The artist is the scribe of infinity."

The quote "The artist is the scribe of infinity" by Kurt Schwitters suggests that artists serve as a bridge between the infinite, boundless realm of creativity and imagination, and the finite, tangible world we inhabit. They translate the abstract, infinite potential into a concrete form that can be experienced and understood by others. This interpretation emphasizes the unique role of artists in expressing the inexpressible, thereby enriching human understanding and experience.


"Merz ist die Erhebung alles Dabeiseins zum Ding." (Merz is the exaltation of everything that is here-and-now into a thing.)

Kurt Schwitters' quote "Merz ist die Erhebung alles Dabeiseins zum Ding" translates to "Merz is the exaltation of everything that is here-and-now into a thing." In this context, Merz refers to an art movement initiated by Schwitters where he combined everyday objects and materials into artwork, defying traditional artistic norms. The quote suggests that Schwitters viewed the world as a collection of 'things' or potential art pieces, and his art was about elevating these everyday elements to a higher status through creative expression. Essentially, it's about seeing the extraordinary in the ordinary.


"Das Merz-System ist der Versuch, in einem Raum die Zeit zu umschließen und gleichzeitig im Zeitverlauf einen Raum aufzubauen." (The Merz System is an attempt to enclose time within a space and at the same time build up a space within the flow of time.)

Kurt Schwitters' quote emphasizes his artistic philosophy behind the "Merz-System," where he aimed to bridge the gap between time and space in his artwork. Essentially, he wanted to create pieces that could encapsulate the passage of time within a static spatial context while also allowing the viewer to perceive the evolution of the piece as time progresses. In simpler terms, Schwitters sought to make art that captures the essence of time within a fixed space and enables us to visualize the development of the work over time.


"Art is everywhere, but only the artist sees it."

This quote by Kurt Schwitters emphasizes that art is not confined to traditional settings or mediums; instead, it can be found in any aspect of life. The "artist" in this context refers to someone with an open, creative mindset who recognizes the beauty, harmony, and potential for expression in everyday objects, events, and experiences. In other words, art is a way of perceiving and interpreting the world, not just creating something tangible. This perspective encourages us all to appreciate the world around us more deeply and to find inspiration everywhere we look.


"Die Kunst ist nichts als die Fortsetzung des Naturprozesses oder doch die Fortsetzung der Natur in der Künstler-Natur." (Art is nothing but the continuation of the natural process or, alternatively, the continuation of nature within the artist-nature.)

Kurt Schwitters' quote suggests that art is a continuation or extension of the natural world. Instead of viewing art as something separate from nature, he proposes that it is an expression or manifestation of nature by artists who embody certain qualities inherent in nature, such as creativity, adaptability, and growth. Essentially, Schwitters argues that there is no divide between nature and art; rather, they are interconnected and complementary aspects of the same process.


The picture is a self-sufficient work of art. It is not connected to anything outside.

- Kurt Schwitters

Work, Art, Connected, Self-Sufficient

My name is Kurt Schwitters... I am an artist and I nail my pictures together.

- Kurt Schwitters

I Am, Artist, Nail, Kurt

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