Surrealismen

Surrealismen was a cultural movement that began in the early 1920s and is best known for its visual artworks and writings. The movement's aim was to liberate thought, language, and human experience from the oppressive boundaries of rationalism. Surrealist manifestos defined the term as pure psychic automatism, by which one can express in actual or supposed form the real functioning of thought.

The movement grew out of the Dada activities in Zurich during World War I, and was initially led by André Breton. Breton's 1924 "Manifesto of Surrealism" defined it as a means of reuniting conscious and unconscious states to create a more complete reality, a surreality. Surrealist works often feature unexpected juxtapositions, illogical scenes, and dreamlike imagery. Artists and writers sought to tap into the subconscious mind, influenced by the theories of Sigmund Freud.

Key figures in Surrealism include Salvador Dalí, René Magritte, Max Ernst, Joan Miró, and Man Ray. While primarily known for painting and sculpture, Surrealism also extended to literature, film, photography, and political activism. The movement had a profound impact on subsequent art movements and continues to influence contemporary artists. Its legacy lies in its exploration of the irrational and the subconscious as valid sources of creative expression.