Max Ernst: A Legend Of Dada
Max Ernst (1891 – 1976) was a German born artist and sculptor; he was one of the prime movers and shakers of the Dada and Surrealist movements.
His initial area of study was Philosophy but he gradually became preoccupied with painting. He was self taught, but greatly inspired by Van Gogh and Macke.
Ernst’s life was a full one. He spent time on the Western Front during WWI, an experience which moved him and changed him, as I’m sure it did all of the participants.
He was held as an “undesirable foreigner” in France around the time of WWII but eventually fled as a refugee to America, where he was still considered an undesirable foreigner.
Ernst married four wives and produced one child; he continued his prolific artistry until his death.
Sculpture, painting and frottage (rubbing) were Max Ernst’s mainstay. Here are some of his selected oddities: