SURREALISTS Meaning and
Definition
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Surrealists are a group of artists and writers who were part of the Surrealist movement, which emerged in the early 20th century. The term "surrealism" stemmed from the French word "surréalisme," coined by writer Guillaume Apollinaire in 1917. The surrealists sought to tap into the realm of the unconscious mind and explore the irrational and dreamlike aspects of reality.
Surrealists aimed to break free from conventional artistic and literary techniques, believing that the rationality of society had repressed the imagination. They attempted to transcend the boundaries of logic and reason, embracing the realm of dreams, free association, and automatic writing. Their works often featured bizarre and fantastical imagery, juxtapositions of unrelated objects, and distorted perspectives. The movement valued spontaneity, personal expression, and the liberation of the subconscious.
Key figures within the surrealist movement include André Breton, Salvador Dalí, René Magritte, Max Ernst, and Man Ray, among others. Their contributions to visual art, literature, and film greatly influenced modern art movements and continue to inspire contemporary artists today.
The impact of surrealism extends beyond the art world; it has also influenced philosophy, psychology, and cultural theory. Surrealists sought to challenge the conventional notions of reality, encouraging viewers and readers to question their perceptions, challenge societal norms, and explore the depths of the human psyche. Through their unconventional approach and rejection of traditional artistic methods, the surrealists aimed to provide a thought-provoking and thought-altering experience for their audience.
Common Misspellings for SURREALISTS
Etymology of SURREALISTS
The term "surrealist" is derived from the word "surrealisme" in French, which was first used by the poet Guillaume Apollinaire in 1917. He used it to describe a play by his friend, the playwright and actor Pierre Albert-Birot. The word "surrealisme" is a combination of the French words "sur" (meaning "above" or "beyond") and "réalisme" (meaning "realism"). Hence, "surrealism" can be understood as "beyond realism" or "above realism". The term was later adopted by the French writer, poet, and critic André Breton, who became the leading figure of the Surrealist movement in the early 1920s.
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