One example of Kurt Schwitters’ artwork is Neues Merzbild (New Merz Picture), completed in 1931. This artwork was created out of found objects on the beach at Kijkduin, such as pieces of wood, fabric and other materials that had been weathered by the sea. To create a trompe l’oeil effect, Schwitters included fake shadows in the artwork.
Neues Merzbild is part of a series known as Merzbilder. Other works from this period include Santazbauten (1934), a model house with collage elements; Sonata in Primo Toccata (1935), which incorporates material from a variety of sources; and Merzbilde mit Regenbogen (Merzpicture With Rainbow) (c. 1939).
Kurt Schwitters’ artworks capture remarkable creativity and thoughtfulness. Neues Merzbild is an important example of his experimental approach to creating art. It demonstrates his ingenuity in finding materials where they were least expected and combining them with unexpected forms and shadows to craft unique compositions. His later work, such as Merzbilde mit Regenbogen, also showcases his innovative techniques while pushing the boundaries of traditional art-making practices.
