Hannah Hoch was a female activist in the Dada movement. This is-of course-is obvious. Yet, it is rare to find or hear about women who were empowered to speak out against political issues. It is a shame to read that she was only acknowledged as a minor Dadaist during her lifetime and her works were not really brought to light. However, people always become famous after they die and Hoch's pieces have become more recognized.
I like the literal meaning of photomontage: "photo engineering." These two words truly grasp what it means to create a photomontage or collage. Engineer is often used in science, but it reveals how much thought and particularness goes into creating a photomontage. The images and words choosen are not random clippings; each of them individually means something and they are put together to formulate a conjoined meaning.
Hoch was the only female representive in the Dada movement and because of that, she was the only one who could fight the stereotypical gender roles of the times. I enjoy how her photomontages include a message of the "New Woman." I think her comments on how every man wanted the "New Woman" were interesting as well. She makes the argument that in order for there to be a "New Woman", men need to change their attitudes. It is additionally intriguing to see how she grows with her photomontages. Hoch brought an ethnic persepective to her artwork and moved into the concepts of civilization and culture.
The person who created the banner of the photomontage is unclear, but the photograph was taken Pete Riches and I found this on Flickr. It is interesting to see that photomontages are still used today to display political opinions. The man in the suit is former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. He is criticized for his involvement in the Iraq War, which many protesters see as illegal.
I have also noticed that it is rare for a woman to speak out through art concerning political issues. I truly thing Hannah Hoch was a revolutionary because she did so years ago, when women had even less respect and less rights than we do today. I also think it is sad that she was not recognized during her lifetime, and even still sometimes today, for creating "photomontage". Also, I thought it was interesting to learn the true meaning of the word as well. Photomontage is interesting because it is so precise, like a science, yet still has something so natural about it. By the way, great image! I love that the banner is doing the talking.
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