The artwork titled “The Small Fistule That Says Tic Tac,” created by Max Ernst in 1920 in Cologne, Germany, is a symbolic painting from the Dada art movement. This piece was executed using gouache on paper and measures 36.2 x 24.5 cm. It is currently housed in the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City, NY, US.
“The Small Fistule That Says Tic Tac” features a composition comprising vertical, repetitive patterns. These patterns display series of geometric shapes, including circles and diamonds, enclosed within columns of varying hues of brown and touches of gold. Notably, a blue cog-like wheel is embedded into the upper section of the artwork, providing a stark contrast. At the bottom, a purple, tentacle-like form protrudes between the panels, adding an element of surreal mystery, characteristic of Ernst’s symbolic and avant-garde style. The overall aesthetic of the artwork evokes contemplation with its abstract and enigmatic imagery, aligning perfectly with the ethos of the Dada movement.
