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About this quote

What does it mean?
Arp implies that the apparent cynicism of Dadaists hides deeper intentions or vulnerabilities.
In plain terms
The cynics in Dada are just pretending.
What can you take from it?
Look beyond surface attitudes to understand artistic movements.

Where it applies

  • art history
  • criticism
  • analyzing movements

Putting it to work

  • investigating artistic motives
  • questioning surface claims
  • studying dada

Questions to consider

  • What lies behind artistic nihilism?
  • Is cynicism always a defense?

Another view

Assuming cynicism is a mask might oversimplify genuine disillusionment.

More from Hans Arp

  1. Art is a fruit that grows in man.

    Permalink to quote #2
  2. Dada is for dreams,colourful paper masks, kettle drums, sound poems, concretions, poem statiques, for things that are not far from picking flowers and making b…

    Permalink to quote #4
  3. We had a dim premonition that power-mad gangsters would one day use art itself as a way of deadening men's minds.

    Permalink to quote #1

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