Second Manifesto of Surrealism

Definition

The Second Manifesto of Surrealism, published in 1929 by André Breton, is a foundational text that outlines the principles and goals of the surrealist movement. It emphasizes the importance of the unconscious mind, dreams, and the irrational as vital sources of creativity, pushing back against conventional societal norms and artistic traditions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Second Manifesto asserts that surrealism is a revolutionary movement that challenges traditional forms of art and thought.
2. Breton's manifesto introduces the concept of 'psychic automatism' as a way to express the workings of the mind without the interference of rational thought.
3. The manifesto also criticizes the bourgeois society of the time, arguing for a radical rethinking of social and artistic values.
4. It emphasizes the significance of dreams as a gateway to understanding deeper psychological truths and realities.
5. The Second Manifesto calls for a unity between art and life, advocating for artists to engage directly with social issues and collective experience.

Review Questions

• How does the Second Manifesto of Surrealism redefine the role of the artist in society?
  • The Second Manifesto redefines the role of the artist by positioning them as a revolutionary figure who should challenge societal norms and push boundaries. It calls for artists to engage with their unconscious minds and produce works that reflect deep psychological truths, rather than conforming to traditional artistic standards. This shift emphasizes the importance of personal expression and collective experience in art, urging artists to see themselves as part of a larger social movement.
• Discuss the significance of 'psychic automatism' as presented in the Second Manifesto and how it relates to surrealist practices.
  • 'Psychic automatism' is significant because it embodies the core principle of surrealism: creating art that flows directly from the unconscious without rational control. This technique encourages spontaneity and freedom in artistic expression, aligning with surrealist goals of exploring dreams and irrationality. It relates to practices such as automatic writing and drawing, where artists aim to bypass conscious thought, allowing deeper psychological insights to emerge in their work.
• Evaluate how the Second Manifesto critiques bourgeois society and its implications for surrealist art.
  • The Second Manifesto critiques bourgeois society by highlighting its constraints on creativity and individual freedom. Breton argues that traditional values stifle artistic innovation and reinforce oppressive social structures. This critique has profound implications for surrealist art; it challenges artists to create works that not only express their inner realities but also confront societal norms. As a result, surrealism becomes not just an artistic movement but also a form of social critique aimed at revolutionizing both art and life.

Related terms

Surrealism: An artistic and literary movement that seeks to release the creative potential of the unconscious mind, often through dream-like imagery and illogical scenes.

André Breton:

A French writer and poet who is considered the founder of surrealism, known for his role in establishing its theories and promoting its artists.

Automatic Writing: A technique used by surrealists to tap into the unconscious mind by writing spontaneously without self-censorship or logical constraints.