Dada ~ The Art of Random
Reviewed by Cynthia A. Sorrels
Published by Persimmon Software

Age Group: Age 4 to 8, Age 8 and Up, Adults Type: Art & Creativity Price: Unknown

Description:

Persimmon Software aims to expose children to concepts in art and literature through interactivities. Dada ~ The Art of Random is a title that finds its target. This is a full color multimedia program including interactive hyperlinking, text, music, animation and games. Additionally, the Persimmon Software website includes sample games and descriptions of the programs available. Please note the price was not available before the review deadline!

Installation

Installation is a bit quirky in that the second disk is inserted first. Yes, that said "disk." Dada is not yet available in CD-ROM format. The program only took about 4 megs of hard drive space, not much room for everything offered here.

The Dada Story

The Dada movement began at the end of World War I and embraces the idea that art should confront and jar us. Why is this period of time important? Because Dada became the foundation of the Abstract Art movement.

Directions for Use is a game created by Jean-Claude Silbermann. The player applies directions for household items to items or ideas that don't need any instructions. Try it, you'll see what that means!

Exquisite Questions and Universal Answers is a computerized version of "Exquisite Corpse." In this game, some people write questions while others write answers, then they're matched. Here, the computer matches the questions and answers!

Echo Poetry was invented by Aurelien Dauguet. A page of words is presented - you drag and drop the words in two columns so that the words echo each other. The Echo can be a rhyme, pun or free association.

Fumage was created by Wolfgang Paalen, who used oil lamps and paper for a smoke effect, then used charcoal to add colors. Here, you can make your own Fumage, using a virtual smoke machine and charcoals.

Bag Poetry was originally a game in which the player would take an article from a newspaper, cut it up into individual words, put the words in a bag, shake and arrange in a poem. Here, you move the hand to the bag, then click and drag to create your poem.

Art History in Perspective

It is so refreshing to see an edutainment program that offers kids something deeper than "shoot 'em ups" and thinly disguised word or math drills! This title is one that will educate child and adult alike, and allows exploration of creativity in art while specifically linking history, art, and literature in a way that will make an impact..

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