Surrealism By Megan Walsh

What is Surrealism? Surrealism is a style of art and literature that focused on imagery from the subconscious mind and irrational significances. It began in the 20 th century in Europe. Andre Breton pioneered the movement in 1924 when he wrote “The Surrealist Manifesto”. The movement was influenced by Sigmund Freud. Surrealism focused on automatism. This is the idea that the random and free interaction between artist and material produces an image of the artist's subconscious and inner state.

Artists of the Movement Andre Breton Salvador Dali Rene Magritte Giorgio De Chirico Max Ernst

Andre Breton Andre was born in 1896 in Tinchebray, France. He was primarily known as a poet but became the “Pope of Surrealism” after he published “The Manifesto of Surrealism”. He also Published “La Revolution Surrealiste”. It was a collection of articles on surrealist painters. He fled to the United States during World War II. While he was there he continued to publish works on Surrealism.

Salvador Dali Salvador was born in Catalonia, Spain in His mother died of cancer when he was 17. In 1928 Dali met Pablo Picasso and Joan Miro in France. Dali also painted some historical paintings in his later years. He is the only known artist to have 2 museums dedicated solely to his works within his lifetime. His last painting is The Swallowtail He died of heart failure at the age of 84. Discovery of America By Christopher Columbus (top right). The Swallowtail (below)

Rene Magritte In 1898 Rene was born in Lessines, Belgium. When he was 14 his mother threw herself into a river and committed suicide. He served in the military for a while and when he returned home he began work as a graphic artist. His first surrealist painting was "Le Jockey Perdu”. Magritte and Breton became friends and Magritte even worked on the last issue of Revolution Surrealiste. Le Jockey Perdu. (bottom)

Giorgio De Chirico Giorgio was born in Volos, Greece in His first metaphysical painting was The Enigma of an Autumn Afternoon. He designed scenery and costumes for the ballet Le Bal. He inspired many surrealist artists; including Rene Magritte. At the end of his career he painted more realistic and naturalist paintings. Enigma of an Autumn Afternoon. (bottom)

Max Ernst Max was born in 1891 in Bruhl, Germany. He never had formal training as a painter but after studying psychiatry and philosophy he took interest in painting. He developed the technique of frottage. This is rubbing pencil shavings on canvas or paper. He was sent to internment camps 3 times during WWII but he escaped to the U.S. Ocell De Foc Silence (top)

Conclusion Surrealism is a mix of realistic painting with unrealistic subject matter. Surrealists are inspired by dreams and the subconscious mind.

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