Manifesto of surrealism

Definition

The manifesto of surrealism is a foundational text authored by André Breton that outlines the principles and goals of the Surrealist movement, emphasizing the importance of the unconscious, dreams, and the liberation of thought from rational constraints. This manifesto not only serves as a declaration of Surrealism's artistic and literary aims but also connects deeply with psychological theories and broader cultural contexts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The first manifesto of surrealism was published in 1924, establishing the movement's ideology and inviting artists and writers to explore the unconscious.
2. Breton's manifesto was heavily influenced by Sigmund Freud's theories of psychoanalysis, particularly concepts such as repression and dream interpretation.
3. The manifesto called for the abandonment of logical thought and the embrace of spontaneity and irrationality in creative expression.
4. Breton proposed that surrealism could liberate individuals from societal norms and constraints, allowing for a deeper exploration of human desire and emotion.
5. Subsequent editions of the manifesto included new ideas and developments within surrealism, reflecting its evolving nature and response to changing cultural landscapes.

Review Questions

• How did André Breton's manifesto shape the direction of the Surrealist movement?
  • André Breton's manifesto established a clear framework for the Surrealist movement by advocating for the exploration of the unconscious mind, dreams, and spontaneous creativity. This text provided a rallying point for artists and writers who sought to break free from conventional artistic norms and rational thought. By articulating these principles, Breton's manifesto not only defined surrealism but also inspired countless works across various forms of art and literature.
• Discuss how the manifesto of surrealism relates to Freud's psychoanalysis and dream interpretation.
  • The manifesto of surrealism draws heavily from Freud's psychoanalytic theories, particularly his ideas on the unconscious mind and the significance of dreams. Breton emphasized that exploring dreams could reveal hidden desires and truths about human existence. This connection underscores how surrealists sought to access deeper layers of consciousness through their creative practices, utilizing techniques like automatic writing to bypass rational thought.
• Evaluate the impact of surrealism as described in Breton’s manifesto on political movements during the early 20th century.
  • Breton's manifesto positioned surrealism as not only an artistic movement but also a revolutionary force against established societal norms. By advocating for liberation from conventional thought, surrealists aimed to inspire social change and challenge political ideologies that suppressed individual expression. This political dimension was particularly significant in a post-war context where disillusionment with traditional structures prompted many artists to engage with radical ideas, merging art with activism in ways that would influence later political movements.

Related terms

Automatic Writing: A technique used by Surrealists to express the workings of the unconscious mind by writing without conscious control or editing.

Surrealist Photography: A genre of photography that captures dream-like scenes and bizarre subjects, often using techniques like double exposure to evoke surreal experiences.

Dada: An avant-garde art movement that emerged as a reaction to World War I, characterized by its anti-art stance and emphasis on irrationality, which influenced the development of Surrealism.