John Covert
John Covert (1882–1960) was an American painter and photographer, recognized for his contributions to early 20th-century modernism and the Dada movement. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Covert began his formal art education at the Pittsburgh School of Design in 1902, studying under Martin Leisser. In 1909, he received a German government scholarship to study at the Akademie der Bildenden Künste in Munich, where he was mentored by Carl Marr. Covert furthered his studies in Paris from 1912 to 1914, immersing himself in the avant-garde art scene before returning to the United States at the onset of World War I.
Upon settling in New York City, Covert became an active participant in the Dada movement, closely associating with influential figures such as Marcel Duchamp and Walter Arensberg, his first cousin. He was a founding member and the first secretary of the Society of Independent Artists and contributed to the Société Anonyme. Covert's artistic style is characterized by his innovative use of mixed media, incorporating three-dimensional objects into his paintings, and his exploration of abstract forms. Notable works include "Ex Act" (1919) and "Resurrection" (1916), which exemplify his avant-garde approach. After 1923, Covert returned to Pittsburgh, where he worked in his family's business and pursued interests in cryptography and the Baconian theory of Shakespeare authorship. His works are held in various institutions, including the Museum of Modern Art and the Whitney Museum of American Art, reflecting his enduring impact on American modernism.
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Full Name: John Raphael Covert
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Birth and Death: 1882–1960
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Profession: Painter and Photographer
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Influences: Dada movement, Marcel Duchamp, European avant-garde
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Legacy: Pioneer of mixed media in American art; works held in major art institutions; significant figure in early 20th-century modernism
