Enak's Tears (Terrestrial Forms)

1915

One of the founders of Dadaism in Zürich

In 1915 in Zürich Arp became one of the founders of Dadaism; he illustrated books by Tristan Tzara, Benjamin Péret and Richard Huelsenbeck.

1915

Meets Sophie Taeuber at an exhibition

At an exhibition in 1915 Arp first met the Swiss artist Sophie Taeuber, who became his collaborator and a significant influence on his style and working method.

1915

Moves to Switzerland to benefit from its neutrality

In 1915 Arp moved to Switzerland to take advantage of Swiss neutrality.

after 1915

Feigns madness to avoid the draft

Summoned to the German consulate in Zürich, Arp, by his own later account, pretended to be mentally ill to avoid being drafted into the German army: he crossed himself at the sight of a portrait of Paul von Hindenburg and, on the paperwork, wrote his date of birth, “16/9/87”, on every line and then added the numbers up. Hans Richter, who recounted the story, noted that the authorities believed him.

1916

The Cabaret Voltaire becomes the centre of Zürich Dada

In 1916 Hugo Ball opened the Cabaret Voltaire in Zürich, which became the centre of Dada activity for a group that included Arp, Marcel Janco, Tristan Tzara and others.

1917

First steps in sculpture

In 1917 Arp began to work in sculpture.