John Heartfield was a German artist and photographer known for his pioneering work in photomontage. Born in 1891, he became a prominent figure in the Dada movement, using his art to critique political and social issues, particularly the rise of Nazism in Germany. His innovative techniques combined images from various sources to create powerful visual statements. Heartfield's work often featured sharp political commentary, making him a target of the Nazi regime. He fled to Czechoslovakia and later to England, where he continued to create art that challenged authoritarianism. His legacy endures as a significant influence on modern graphic design and political art.