Here's why:
* Early Involvement in Dada: Arp was a founding member of the Dada movement in Zurich, Switzerland, and actively participated in its anti-art, anti-war, and anti-rationalist agenda. His early works like "Collages Arranged According to the Laws of Chance" (1916-1917) embody the playful, nonsensical spirit of Dada.
* Shift Towards Surrealism: Arp's artistic style evolved later on, becoming more influenced by Surrealism. He was particularly interested in the exploration of subconscious imagery and the organic forms of nature, which are central tenets of Surrealism. His sculptures and reliefs often feature biomorphic shapes, seemingly inspired by natural growth and transformation.
* Unique Blend: While Arp's work shares characteristics with both movements, it retains a unique identity. His artistic language is characterized by:
* Emphasis on chance and spontaneity: This aligns with Dada's rejection of traditional artmaking methods.
* Exploration of organic forms: This connects with Surrealism's focus on the subconscious and the irrational.
Therefore, Hans Arp is best understood as an artist who embraced both Dada and Surrealism, fusing their aesthetics in his own distinctive style. He stands as a crucial figure in the transition between these two artistic revolutions.