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Surrealism

Definition

Surrealism is an artistic and literary movement that emerged in the early 20th century, characterized by dreamlike and irrational imagery. It aimed to explore the unconscious mind and challenge conventional ideas of reality.

Analogy

Imagine walking through a painting where clocks melt, fish fly, and everyday objects become strange creatures. That's surrealism - a world where imagination takes over reality like a wild rollercoaster ride.

Related terms

Dadaism: An artistic movement that preceded surrealism, known for its rejection of traditional art forms and embrace of absurdity.

Automatism: A technique used by surrealist artists to create spontaneous artwork without conscious control or rational thought.

Salvador Dalí: One of the most famous surrealist artists known for his bizarre and dreamlike paintings.

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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.