Surrealism Research

Surrealism is a cultural movement that began in the 1920’s. Nations were recovering from World War 1, women gained the right to vote in America, and soon world war 2 would begin. The Surrealist movement started because the world had experienced so much harsh reality in World War 1, artists needed to create something unreal. The most important center of the surrealist movement was Paris. Through the 1920’s and beyond, surrealism spread around the globe.

 I believe it is important to have surreal imagery out there, because it stimulates people’s minds, inspires, and assists a more creative mindset for people all over the world.

 Salvador Dali: 1904-1989

The image I chose is one of Salvador Dali’s most famous images, and a common example of surrealism. The picture depicts a seemingly barren landscape, with various clocks in the foreground melting away into limp forms. To me, this represents how time becomes meaningless and stretches on when one is in solitude; whether they are actually alone or just feel that way at heart.

Max Ernst: 1891-1976

            

Max Ernst’s “The Horde” is a visually interesting piece, indeed. The red figures struggling with each other all come from the same patch of ground. It’s hard to distinguish just how many figures there are, what they are, or exactly what they’re doing. But they seem to be fighting. They are all similar but a little bit different, and none of them are a complete or perfect figure. It reminds me of war, and how the world launches into violence due to such small things.

Andre Masson: 1896-1987

            Andre Masson’s piece “Melt” is surrealism at it’s finest. IT depicts a skinless human body, struggling against musical instruments turned monsters, with the background occupied by wells and hay bails and blocks of gray stone. In my opinion, it shows how humans walk around so exposed that something as simple as a song can penetrate their emotional defenses and reach their soul.