“Merz” refers to a concept and artistic movement that originated in the early 20th century, particularly associated with the German artist Kurt Schwitters. It represents a form of artwork that embraces found objects and discarded materials, transforming them into new art forms. The term “Merz” is derived from the word “Kommerz” (commerce), which Schwitters used to describe the combination of various materials and elements that are typically considered worthless or mundane.
Merz encompasses collage, assemblage, and mixed media art, tapping into the idea of creating something valuable from the remnants of everyday life. Schwitters’ Merz works often include pieces of paper, wood, metal, and other materials, layered and juxtaposed in a way that challenges traditional notions of aesthetics and artistic expression. The movement goes beyond visual art, influencing literature, music, and performance, and is seen as an important precursor to later movements, such as Dada and Surrealism. Merz advocates for a form of creativity that is inclusive, experimental, and reflective of the modern experience, highlighting the beauty in the ordinary and the discarded.
The political landscape in Germany is dramatically shaped by the rivalry between Olaf Scholz and Friedrich Merz, as depicted in the film "Kanzler und Herausforderer – Scholz und Merz im…