Dada 1: Miscellany of Art and Literature

Facsimile, Dada magazine, July 1917. Attempting to promulgate Dada ideas throughout Europe, Tristan Tzara launched the art and literature review Dada. Although, at the outset, it was planned that Dada members would take turns editing the review and that an editorial board would be created to make important decisions, Tzara quickly assumed control of the journal. But, as Richter said, in the end no one but Tzara had the talent for the job, and, everyone was happy to watch such a brilliant editor at work. Appearing in July 1917, the first issue of Dada, subtitled Miscellany of Art and Literature, featured contributions from members of avant-garde groups throughout Europe, including Giorgio de Chirico, Robert Delaunay, and Wassily Kandinsky. Marking the magazine’s debut, Tzara wrote in the Zurich Chronicle, Mysterious creation! Magic Revolver! The Dada Movement is Launched. Word of Dada quickly spread: Tzara’s new review was purchased widely and found its way into every country in Europe, and its international status was established.