Chance

Definition

Chance refers to the unpredictable and random elements that can influence the creation of art, particularly within the contexts of Dada and Surrealism. This concept embodies the idea that creativity can arise from accidental occurrences or unexpected juxtapositions, allowing artists to break away from traditional methods and norms. By embracing chance, artists aimed to challenge established conventions and explore new ways of seeing the world, leading to innovative and often provocative works.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Zurich Dada artists used chance as a fundamental principle, believing that randomness could reveal deeper truths and challenge societal norms.
2. Fumage involves using smoke to create images, which is a direct engagement with chance as the artist cannot fully control the outcome of the smoke patterns.
3. In New York Dada, artists like Duchamp embraced chance by creating works that highlighted absurdity and randomness, pushing back against traditional definitions of art.
4. The use of chance in art during these movements was a reaction against rationalism and structured thought, reflecting the chaotic nature of contemporary society after World War I.
5. Chance also played a crucial role in the Surrealist belief that it could uncover the unconscious mind's hidden desires and fears, leading to more genuine artistic expression.

Review Questions

• How did Zurich Dada artists incorporate the concept of chance into their works, and what were their motivations?
  • Zurich Dada artists embraced chance as a way to disrupt traditional artistic practices and societal norms. They believed that randomness could lead to innovative expressions that reflected the chaos and absurdity of contemporary life following World War I. By using methods like chance collages or randomly selected words, they sought to create art that was spontaneous and free from the constraints of rational thought.
• Discuss the role of chance in the technique of fumage and how it contributes to the overall experience of the artwork.
  • Fumage relies on smoke to produce images, introducing an element of unpredictability into the artistic process. The patterns created by smoke can vary widely each time, leading to unique results that are not entirely controlled by the artist. This randomness enhances the viewer's experience by making each artwork distinct and encouraging them to find meaning in what may initially seem like chaotic forms.
• Evaluate how the concept of chance in New York Dada reflects broader cultural shifts during its time and influences modern art practices.
  • The use of chance in New York Dada mirrored the disillusionment and chaotic atmosphere following World War I. Artists like Duchamp challenged established norms and definitions of art through absurdity and randomness, reflecting a society grappling with uncertainty. This embrace of chance has influenced contemporary art practices by encouraging artists to explore spontaneity and reject rigid frameworks, paving the way for movements such as Fluxus and conceptual art.

Related terms

Automatism: A technique used by artists to create work without conscious control, often allowing chance events to guide the creative process.

Collage: An artistic technique where various materials are assembled together, often incorporating random elements to create a new composition.

Ready-made: An everyday object that is transformed into art by being presented in a new context, often highlighting the role of chance in its selection.