Set in Paris, "Tarr" offers a darkly humorous exploration of the lives of two artists: Frederick Tarr, an audacious young Englishman, and Otto Kreisler, a disillusioned middle-aged German painter spiraling into self-destruction. The narrative unfolds as both men vie for the affection of two women—a traditional German, and Anastasya Vasek, a bold modernist. Wyndham Lewis crafts a sharp satire that critiques national and social pretensions, the complexities of male-female relationships, and the conflicts between artistic expression and real life.
The introduction contextualizes the novel within the broader landscape of social satire and avant-garde movements, including Cubism, Futurism, and Vorticism. Additionally, the novel reflects on the incompatibilities between art and existence, questioning the role of the artist in a rapidly changing world. Through satire, the story delves into issues of identity, gender roles, and the impact of impending conflict, making it a rich commentary on the human condition during a tumultuous historical period.
P. Wyndham Lewis was a British writer, painter, and influential figure in the modernist movement. He is best known for his novel "Tarr," which critiques social pretensions and explores the lives of artists in pre-World War I Europe. Lewis was a prominent member of the Vorticist movement, which he founded, emphasizing dynamic forms and bold colors in art and literature. During World War I, Lewis served at the front as an artillery officer. Later, he was commissioned as a war artist, one example is "A Battery Shelled" which combines representational elements with the angular style characteristic of Vorticism.
His work often addressed themes of identity, nationalism, and the human experience amid societal upheaval. Throughout his career, Lewis produced novels, essays, and art, making significant contributions to both literature and visual culture. His sharp satirical style and avant-garde approach established him as a key figure in the early 20th-century artistic landscape, influencing generations of writers and artists.