DADA Hommage à Georges Ribemont - Dessaignes DADA 1965

This striking 1965 original exhibition poster was created for the Galerie Alphonse Chave in Vence, celebrating the 80th birthday of Georges Ribemont-Dessaignes, a central figure in the Dada movement. The design pays homage to the revolutionary spirit of Dada through its bold typography, playful composition, and symbolic imagery, embodying the anarchic energy that defined the movement.

At the heart of the poster is a collage-style portrait of Ribemont-Dessaignes, surrounded by a rhythmic repetition of the word "DADA," reinforcing his deep connection to the avant-garde. The black-and-white central image is framed within an oval, drawing the viewer’s attention to the man who was both a poet and a painter, a pioneer of artistic subversion. The contrast between the monochrome core and the vibrant green and red decorative elements evokes a sense of historical reverence while maintaining a distinctively Dadaist irreverence.

The poster features an impressive list of participating artists and writers, including Hans Arp, Marcel Duchamp, Max Ernst, André Breton, Man Ray, and Francis Picabia—key figures in Dada and Surrealism. Their presence underscores Ribemont-Dessaignes’ significance within this radical artistic movement. The decorative floral border, punctuated by bright red roses, adds an unexpected organic touch to the otherwise structured design, perhaps hinting at the duality of chaos and order within the Dada ethos.

Typography plays a crucial role in the poster’s visual impact, with "RIBEMONT-DESSAIGNES" rendered in a mix of bold red and black lettering, emphasizing his name as both a literary and visual statement. The words "HOMMAGE À" arch above in a looser, almost haphazard arrangement, reinforcing the playfulness and unpredictability characteristic of Dadaist works. The exhibition dates, "Avril-Mai 1965," place this tribute in a period when post-war art was reflecting on its avant-garde roots while exploring new frontiers.

This lithographic poster is more than an announcement—it is a work of art in itself, encapsulating the irreverent, boundary-defying nature of the Dada movement. It stands as a testament to the enduring influence of Georges Ribemont-Dessaignes, whose contributions to literature, painting, and theater challenged conventions and redefined artistic expression.

Exposition - Dada

Galerie Alphonse Chave - Pour ses 80 ans

Pierre Chave Vence

Bon état