The artwork in question is a collage created by Kurt Schwitters, titled “(Difficult),” completed between the years 1942 and 1943. This abstract piece is rooted in the Dada art movement and measures 79.5 by 61 cm. Currently, it is housed at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery in Buffalo, NY, US.
The artwork itself exhibits a complex assortment of paper elements, arranged in a seemingly haphazard yet visually cohesive manner. Various textures and patterns are visible, alongside typography and printed words, which contribute to the piece’s abstract narrative. The composition is dense and layered, with fragments of newspapers, tickets, advertisements, and geometric forms creating a rich tapestry of visual information. The color palette is primarily earth-toned with accents of red and breaks of white, enhancing the depth and intricacy of the composition. Overall, this collage exemplifies the Dadaists’ exploration of randomness and their challenge to traditional art forms, emphasizing the movement’s ethos of anti-art and its advocacies for spontaneous creativity.
