Zurich Dada's connection to Taoism and Zen Buddhism

What is it about?

The art and attitudes Zurich Dada artists mirror many concepts in Taoism and Zen Buddhism. This connection is explored and provides a different framework for understanding this particular group of artists.

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Why is it important?

Dada is often given the generalized description of being nihilistic. When the parallels between Zurich Dada and Taoism and Zen Buddhism are fleshed out, and the same nihilistic misconception of Buddhism is explain and then rejected, it becomes problematic to continue to label Zurich Dada as nihilistic. Thus challenging a longstanding art historical description of Dada.