Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Surrealism is an artistic movement that emerged in the early 20th century, characterized by dreamlike and irrational imagery. Artists sought to tap into the unconscious mind and explore the realm of dreams, fantasies, and subconscious thoughts.
Related terms
Salvador Dalí: A famous surrealist artist known for his melting clocks and eccentric personality. He created artworks that challenged reality and pushed the boundaries of imagination.
Automatism: A technique used by surrealists where they let their hand move freely without conscious control, allowing their subconscious mind to guide their art-making process. It's like doodling aimlessly on a piece of paper without thinking about what you're drawing.
Freudian Psychology: The psychological theories developed by Sigmund Freud, which heavily influenced surrealism. Surrealist artists were interested in exploring the unconscious mind just as Freud did through psychoanalysis.