The Spirit of Our Age

Hausmann manufactured several reliefs and assemblages. His most well known is Der Geist Unserer Zeit - Mechanischer Kopf  which is translated to "The Spirit of Our Age -  Mechanical Head".  Its base is  from a wig-making dummy and includes many utensils used to measure, including a ruler, pocket watch mechanism, typewriter, camera segments and a crocodile wallet.

created in 1920

 Although seemingly simple, the idea of this piece isn't to be complex, but to express Hausmann's thoughts and emotions.  To spark interest, and create controversy.  I see the head as symbolic of the technological advances of his time.  What things were being used on a daily basis and how this technology was possibly consuming peoples' lives.  Much like the i-phone, or computers, or even self parking cars.  He also brought photomontage to a 3-D perspective.