Surrealism

Definition

Surrealism is an artistic and literary movement that emerged in the early 20th century, characterized by the exploration of the unconscious mind, dream-like imagery, and the juxtaposition of unexpected elements. It seeks to challenge the conventional perception of reality by merging the irrational with the logical, often creating bizarre and fantastical scenes that provoke thought and emotion. The movement is deeply connected to Dada's anti-art sentiments and has influenced various practices, including psychogeography and the use of found objects in art.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Surrealism began in France in the 1920s, with André Breton as one of its leading figures, who outlined its goals in the 'Surrealist Manifesto'.
2. The movement is heavily influenced by Freudian psychoanalysis, which emphasizes dreams, desires, and the unconscious as sources of inspiration.
3. Surrealist artists often employed techniques such as automatic drawing and collage to unlock their creativity and explore subconscious thoughts.
4. Notable surrealist artists include Salvador Dalí, René Magritte, and Max Ernst, each known for their unique approaches to dream imagery and reality.
5. Surrealism had a lasting impact on contemporary art practices and continues to inspire artists seeking to push boundaries between reality and fantasy.

Review Questions

• How did surrealism build upon the ideas presented by Dada, and what unique aspects did it introduce to the art world?
  • Surrealism emerged as a response to Dada's anti-art stance by incorporating some of its rebellion against traditional artistic norms while shifting focus toward exploring the unconscious mind. While Dada emphasized absurdity and chaos in reaction to war, surrealism sought to unlock deeper emotional truths through dream-like imagery and psychological exploration. This transformation allowed surrealism to create fantastical scenes that not only challenged perceptions of reality but also engaged viewers on a more profound emotional level.
• Discuss how psychogeography intersects with surrealism and what role it plays in understanding urban environments.
  • Psychogeography aligns with surrealism by examining how urban spaces influence emotions and behaviors, often revealing hidden narratives within everyday life. Surrealists embraced this concept by using cities as a canvas for their exploration of dreams and subconscious experiences. Through techniques like dérive (drifting), artists would wander urban landscapes to capture spontaneous feelings and thoughts, leading to artworks that reflect both personal experiences and broader social realities within these environments.
• Evaluate the significance of found objects and readymades in surrealist art practices, and how they challenge traditional notions of artistic creation.
  • Found objects and readymades play a crucial role in surrealism by blurring the lines between everyday life and artistic expression. By taking ordinary objects and presenting them as art, surrealists challenge the idea of originality and craftsmanship in favor of conceptual exploration. This approach invites viewers to reconsider the nature of art itself, encouraging a dialogue between reality and imagination while emphasizing that meaning can be derived from context rather than just the artist's hand. This practice reflects surrealism's core belief in merging the real with the absurd.

Related terms

Dada: A radical art movement that emerged during World War I, emphasizing absurdity, anti-war sentiments, and the rejection of traditional artistic values.

Psychogeography: The study of the effects of geographical environment on the emotions and behavior of individuals, often explored through urban exploration and art.

Readymade: An ordinary object designated as art, often through minimal alteration or re-contextualization, popularized by artists like Marcel Duchamp.