Which artistic style primarily expressed a reaction against the traditional artistic values of its time?

Dada is recognized as an artistic style that arose as a direct response to the societal and cultural upheaval caused by World War I. It emerged in the early 20th century, characterized by its rejection of the norms of traditional art, literature, and middle-class values. Dadaists embraced absurdity and irrationality, aiming to challenge the established conventions of aesthetics and the socio-political context of their time.

The movement sought to undermine traditional artistic standards by incorporating unconventional materials, chance operations, and playful, often nonsensical forms. This radical approach was a deliberate critique of the seriousness and perceived pretentiousness of previous art movements, as well as a comment on the brutality of modern warfare and its implications for humanity.

While other styles mentioned may also challenge conventions, such as Expressionism's focus on emotional experience or the Bauhaus's integration of art and functional design, Dada's core purpose was distinctively grounded in a reactionary stance against traditional artistic values, making it highly influential in the evolution of modern art.