Which movement was characterized by its reaction to the horrors of WWI?

The movement that best represents a reaction to the horrors of World War I is Dada. Emerging in the early 20th century, specifically around 1916, Dada was born as an anti-art movement that sought to challenge traditional artistic norms and conventions. It embraced chaos, absurdity, and irrationality, partially reflecting the disillusionment and despair resulting from the war. Dada artists often used satire and parody to critique societal values and the role of art itself, questioning the purpose of artistic creation in a world marred by violence and destruction.

This unique approach made Dada a significant response to the trauma of war. Artists associated with Dada, such as Marcel Duchamp and Hugo Ball, utilized unconventional methods and materials in their work, emphasizing spontaneity and chance rather than structured artistic forms. Their creations encapsulated a sense of nihilism and protest, attempting to make sense of a world that had been profoundly affected by conflict.

In this context, while other movements like Abstract Expressionism, Surrealism, and De Stijl also emerged in the 20th century, they do not directly stem from a reaction to the war's immediate horrors in the same way Dada does. Abstract Expressionism developed in the aftermath of World War II