Surrealism: Easy Way to Give Your Space a Reality Check

My mom likes to say “That’s just unreal” when something doesn’t make sense to her. But in the art of Surrealism, being “unreal” is the whole point. Originating in the 1920s, Surrealism sought to transcend the boundaries of reality, delving into dreams, fantasies, and the irrational to create art that defies conventional logic. But what exactly is Surrealist art, and how can you fully appreciate its enigmatic beauty? Let’s challenge ourselves with the mysteries of Surrealism and discover how to enjoy this mesmerizing art form.

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What is Surrealism?

Surrealism is an avant-garde movement that emerged as a reaction to the devastation of World War I and the rigid constraints of traditional artistic expressions. Founded by French poet André Breton, who published the first Surrealist Manifesto in 1924, the movement sought to liberate the imagination, embracing the bizarre and the irrational.

Here are three key characteristics of Surrealist art:

Dream-like Imagery

Floating cat-like figure with multiple eyes and earthy colors and shapes against a serene garden and sky background as surrealism — Daydreamer 043 by Naoto Hattori

Surrealist artworks often depict dreamscapes that blur the line between reality and fantasy. These scenes can be whimsical, nightmarish, or a combination of both, reflecting the complexity of the subconscious mind. Unlike the realism or even abstract styles, art like the piece above is meant to ask questions.

Unexpected Juxtapositions

Night image of business man walking through a forest of tall trees that morph into skyscrapers at the top — Arboreal-Office by Rob Gonsalves

Surrealist artists frequently place ordinary objects in unusual contexts, creating a sense of surprise and wonder. This technique challenges viewers to see the familiar in new and thought-provoking ways.

Symbolism and Metaphor

Large designer woman's high-heel pump in the foreground with men working under the arch to paint the red and label with a surreal Italian villa in the background — Fashion Whipped by Vladimir Kush

Surrealist art is rich with symbolic meanings and metaphors. Artists use these elements to explore themes like desire, fear, freedom, and the inner workings of the human psyche.

Iconic Surrealist Artists and Works

Salvador Dalí: Known for his meticulous technique and bizarre, dream-like scenes, Dalí’s “The Persistence of Memory” (1931) features melting clocks draped over a desolate landscape, challenging our perception of time and reality.
René Magritte: Magritte’s works often combine ordinary objects in unusual ways. “The Son of Man” (1964), with its iconic image of a man in a bowler hat obscured by a green apple, invites viewers to question the nature of identity and perception.
Max Ernst: A pioneer of Surrealist techniques like frottage and decalcomania, Ernst created fantastical landscapes and creatures. His work “The Elephant Celebes” (1921) blends mechanical and organic forms, evoking a sense of the uncanny.
Frida Kahlo: While often associated with Surrealism, Kahlo’s art is deeply personal and rooted in her own experiences. Her self-portraits, such as “The Two Fridas” (1939), explore themes of identity, pain, and resilience.

How to Enjoy Surrealist Art

Embrace the Unconventional

Three paint brushes used as a canvas to display three women's faces, with the handle becoming the neck in a surrealism nod — Three Ladies in Green by Alexandra Dillon

Surrealist art thrives on the unexpected and the irrational. Approach these works with an open mind, ready to accept the bizarre and the fantastical without seeking immediate logical explanations.

Let Your Imagination Wander

Two paintings side by side with the same surreal stark, pale green forest landscape in the background with a boy on the left image and a giel on the right image and a floating head of a man in glasses next to each of them — Quantum Entanglement (Diptych) by Mark Ryden

Allow yourself to be drawn into the dream-like worlds created by Surrealist artists. Imagine the stories behind the strange juxtapositions and symbolic imagery. There are no right or wrong interpretations—let your mind wander freely.

Explore Symbolism and Themes

Greenish blue background with a swirling human image entering a yellow flower-like bell
space — Setting Sun by Inka Essenhigh

Floral background with a tall stemmed plant with several white blooms on top surrounded by flowing white and purple petals falling down like a royal cape — Setting Sun by Inka Essenhigh

Take time to consider the possible symbolic meanings within the artwork. Reflect on how the images relate to themes like dreams, the subconscious, and human desires. Understanding the context of the artist’s life and the historical background of Surrealism can also deepen your appreciation.

Engage with the Emotion

Woman with red hair looking off to the side with swirling storm clouds behind her. One of the tornado cloud tails fals over her shoulder and she holds it — Reason by Ania Tomicka

Surrealist art often evokes strong emotional responses. Whether it’s a sense of wonder, discomfort, or curiosity, allow yourself to fully experience these feelings. Art is as much about emotional connection as it is about intellectual understanding.

Surrealist art invites us to step beyond the ordinary and explore the depths of our imagination. By embracing its unconventional nature, letting our minds wander, and engaging with its rich symbolism, we can unlock new ways of seeing and understanding the world around us. Plus, it keeps people wondering about you when they see something they can’t quite explain on your walls.

How do you respond to surreal art? Is there anything here that inspires or even haunts you? Leave a comment below.