Surrealism is a style of modern art that emerged in the early 20th century. It is characterised by its dreamlike, often abstract images, and its use of unexpected juxtapositions to create a sense of mystery and disorientation. The movement was originally led by the French artist André Breton and his circle of friends, including Salvador Dali, Max Ernst and Joan Miro.
Surrealism is often seen as an extension of Dadaism, the avant-garde art movement that rejected convention and embraced chaos. Unlike Dadaism however, Surrealism sought to explore the subconscious mind, creating works that were both dreamlike and disturbing. This idea of exploring one’s innermost thoughts was further developed by Breton in his 1924 ‘Manifesto of Surrealism’ which outlined the core principles of the movement.
The main objective of Surrealist art was to break free from conformity and express ideas that were not bound by traditional artistic conventions. This led to a wide range of experimental techniques being used, such as automatism (where artists let their subconscious minds dictate their work), symbolism (where images are used to represent personal or psychological ideas) and collage (where disparate objects are assembled together). These techniques have since been adopted by other modern art movements such as Pop Art and Abstract Expressionism.
Surrealist art has had a major influence on modern culture; its imagery has been used in various forms such as literature, film and music. Its influence can be seen in works such as David Lynch’s surrealist films or Salvador Dali’s famous painting The Persistence of Memory. While some may argue that Surrealism is no longer considered modern art due to its age and widespread influence, it remains an important part of contemporary culture and continues to inspire new generations of artists.
In conclusion, it can be said that Surrealism is still considered modern art despite its age. It has had a profound impact on contemporary culture through its use in literature, film and music, as well as influencing other modern art movements such as Pop Art and Abstract Expressionism. As long as there are people willing to explore the depths of their subconscious minds through this form of expression, then Surrealism will remain an integral part of our cultural landscape for many years to come.