surrealism

officially launched in 1924 with André Breton’s Manifesto of Surrealism, this artistic & literary movement sought to unlock the unconscious mind as a source of creativity, free from the constraints of logic, reason, and societal norms. Deeply influenced by Freudian psychoanalysis & the exploration of dreams, Surrealism aimed to bridge the gap between the conscious & subconscious realms, cultivating a state where the boundaries of reality dissolved into the fantastical. It rejected traditional forms of art-making & embraced automatism, chance operations & unexpected juxtapositions to produce startling, dreamlike imagery that expressed a deeper truth beyond surface appearances. Surrealist works often explored themes of love, desire, fear, & the absurd, presenting an alternate reality that challenged the viewer’s perception of what is real.

Philosophically, Surrealism aspired to transform not only art but life itself, advocating for liberation from societal restrictions & rigid conventions. This radical vision extended into politics, with many Surrealists aligning with revolutionary ideals, particularly Marxism & anarchism, as they sought to create a freer, more imaginative world. The movement encompassed diverse media, including painting, literature, film, sculpture, & photography, with artists like Salvador Dalí, Max Ernst, René Magritte & Frida Kahlo crafting works that remain iconic today.

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