Anti-bourgeois

Definition

Anti-bourgeois refers to a rejection of the values, norms, and behaviors associated with the bourgeois class, which is often seen as materialistic, conformist, and elitist. This concept is tied to a broader critique of capitalist society and its emphasis on profit over artistic and individual expression. Within various movements, especially in art and literature, it serves as a rallying cry for challenging societal norms that prioritize wealth and status over creativity and authenticity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. André Breton's manifestos explicitly call for a break from bourgeois values, advocating for a society where imagination and the subconscious can thrive.
2. Surrealist novels often explore themes of dreams and the irrational, presenting characters that embody anti-bourgeois sentiments through their actions and choices.
3. Collage and photomontage techniques used by artists were methods to disrupt traditional aesthetics associated with bourgeois art forms, pushing against established norms.
4. The anti-bourgeois stance was foundational in both Dadaism and Surrealism, with artists often mocking bourgeois culture through provocative works.
5. This rejection of bourgeois ideals highlights a desire for freedom in artistic expression, challenging the commercialization of art that prioritizes profitability over innovation.

Review Questions

• How does André Breton's manifestos illustrate the anti-bourgeois sentiment within Surrealism?
  • André Breton's manifestos articulate a clear rejection of bourgeois values by emphasizing the importance of dreams and the unconscious mind. He argues that these elements are crucial for true artistic expression, which stands in stark contrast to the materialistic and conformist tendencies of the bourgeois class. By promoting surrealism as a means to challenge societal norms, Breton effectively positions art as a realm free from the constraints imposed by bourgeois ideology.
• In what ways do surrealist novels convey anti-bourgeois themes through their characters and narratives?
  • Surrealist novels often feature characters who rebel against societal expectations associated with the bourgeois lifestyle. These characters frequently navigate bizarre or dream-like situations that symbolize their struggle against conformity and materialism. Through these narratives, surrealists depict the internal conflict between personal desires and societal pressures, ultimately critiquing the very foundations of bourgeois values and suggesting alternative modes of existence.
• Evaluate the impact of collage and photomontage as anti-bourgeois practices within the context of Dadaism and Surrealism.
  • Collage and photomontage served as revolutionary techniques within Dadaism and Surrealism that directly challenged bourgeois artistic conventions. By combining disparate images and texts, artists created works that subverted traditional aesthetics, highlighting absurdity and chaos rather than harmony or beauty. This approach not only criticized capitalist commercialization but also encouraged viewers to question their perceptions of art itself. As a result, these practices became powerful expressions of anti-bourgeois sentiment, reshaping how art was understood in relation to society.

Related terms

Bourgeoisie: The social class characterized by their ownership of capital and their significant role in the economic system, often contrasted with the proletariat.

Surrealism: An artistic movement that sought to unleash the creative potential of the unconscious mind, often subverting conventional norms in art and society.

Dadaism: An avant-garde art movement that emerged as a reaction against the rationalism and materialism of the bourgeois society, embracing absurdity and chaos.