The History of Surrealist Movement

Surrealism

Founded by Andre Breton in 1924

" Surrealism does not allow those who devote themselves to it to forsake it whenever they like. There is every reason to believe that it acts on the mind very much as drugs do; like drugs, it creates a certain state of need and can push man to frightful revolts. It also is, if you like, an artificial paradise, and the taste one has for it derives from Baudelaire's criticism for the same reason as the others. Thus the analysis of the mysterious effects and special pleasures it can produce -- in many respects Surrealism occurs as a new vice which does not necessarily seem to be restricted to the happy few; like hashish, it has the ability to satisfy all manner of tastes -- such an analysis has to be included in the present study" --MANIFESTO OF SURREALISM by Andre Breton c. 1924

The Greatest Surrealists of All Time

Although Hieronymus Bosch was certainly not a member of the surrealist movement I am including him anyway. The man was centuries ahead of his time.

Max Ernst German, 1891-1976

Frida Kahlo Mexican, 1907-1954

Rene Magritte French 1898- 1967

Joan Miro Spanish, 1893-1983

Man Ray American 1890-1976

Salvador Dali Spanish, 1904-1989

Definition of Surrealism

SURREALISM, n. Pure psychic automatism, by which it is intended to express, verbally, in writing, or by other means, the real process of thought. Thought's dictation, in the absence of all control exercised by the reason and outside all aesthetic or moral preoccupations.
ENCYCL. Philos. Surrealism rests in the belief in the superior reality of certain forms of association neglected heretofore; in the omnipotence of the dream and in the disinterested play of thought. It tends definitely to do away with all other psychic mechanisms and to substitute itself for them in the solution of the principal problems of life. -- André Breton (The founder of the Surrealist Movement) 1924

Man Ray Art Quotations

One of the satisfactions of a genius is his will-power and obstinacy. -- Man Ray

All critics should be assassinated. -- Man Ray

It has never been my object to record my dreams, just the determination to realize them. -- Man Ray

A creator needs only one enthusiast to justify him. -- Man Ray

An original is a creation motivated by desire. Any reproduction of an originals motivated be necessity. It is marvelous that we are the only species that creates gratuitous forms. To create is divine, to reproduce is human. -- Man Ray

I paint what cannot be photographed, that which comes from the imagination or from dreams, or from an unconscious drive. -- Man Ray

Of course, there will always be those who look only at technique, who ask 'how', while others of a more curious nature will ask 'why'. Personally, I have always preferred inspiration to information. -- Man Ray

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