surrealism Definition
- 1a 20th-century avant-garde movement in art and literature that sought to release the creative potential of the unconscious mind, for example by the irrational juxtaposition of images
- 2a style of art and literature developed principally in the 20th century, stressing the subconscious or nonrational significance of imagery arrived at by automatism or the exploitation of chance effects, unexpected juxtapositions, etc.
- 3a cultural movement that began in the early 1920s, and is best known for its visual artworks and writings. Artists painted unnerving, illogical scenes, sometimes with photographic precision, creating strange creatures from everyday objects, and developing painting techniques that allowed the unconscious to express itself.
Using surrealism: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "surrealism" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The paintings of Salvador Dali are often associated with surrealism.
Example
Surrealism was a major influence on the development of abstract expressionism.
Example
The surrealist movement had a profound impact on the art world in the 20th century.
surrealism Synonyms and Antonyms
Antonyms for surrealism
Phrases with surrealism
a type of film that emphasizes the irrational or unconscious aspects of human experience, often using dream-like imagery and symbolism
Example
David Lynch's films are often cited as examples of surrealist cinema.
poetry that emphasizes the irrational or unconscious aspects of human experience, often using automatic writing or other techniques to bypass the conscious mind
Example
The poetry of Andre Breton is often cited as an example of surrealist poetry.
surrealist novel
a novel that emphasizes the irrational or unconscious aspects of human experience, often using stream-of-consciousness narration or other techniques to bypass the conscious mind
Example
The novel 'Nadja' by Andre Breton is often cited as an example of surrealist literature.
Origins of surrealism
from French 'sur' meaning 'above' or 'beyond' and 'réalisme' meaning 'realism'
Summary: surrealism in Brief
Surrealism [səˈriːəlɪzəm] is a 20th-century avant-garde movement in art and literature that sought to release the creative potential of the unconscious mind. It is characterized by irrational juxtapositions of images and the use of automatism or chance effects. Surrealism had a profound impact on the art world, influencing everything from painting to cinema to literature.
