In the wake of World War I’s ravaging of Europe, artists delved into the unconscious mind to confront and grapple with this reality. Poet and critic André Breton, a leader of the Surrealist movement who authored the 1924 Surrealist Manifesto, called this approach “a violent reaction against the impoverishment and sterility of thought processes that resulted from centuries of rationalism.” Surrealist art emerged in the 1920s with dreamlike and uncanny imagery guided by a variety of techniques such as automatic drawing, which can be likened to a stream of consciousness, to channel psychological experiences.
Although Surrealism was a groundbreaking approach for European art, its practitioners were inspired by Indigenous art and ancient mysticism for reenvisioning how sculptures, paintings, prints, performance art and more could respond to the unsettled world around them.
Surrealist artists were also informed by the Dada movement, which originated in 1916 Zurich and embraced absurdity over the logic that had propelled modernity into violence. Some of the Surrealists had witnessed this firsthand, such as Max Ernst, who served in the trenches during World War I, and Salvador Dalí, whose otherworldly paintings and other work responded to the dawning civil war in Spain.
Other key artists associated with the revolutionary art and literary movement included Man Ray, Joan Miró, René Magritte, Yves Tanguy, Frida Kahlo and Meret Oppenheim, all of whom had a distinct perspective on reimagining reality and freeing the unconscious mind from the conventions and restrictions of rational thought. Pablo Picasso showed some of his works in “La Peinture Surréaliste” — the first collective exhibition of Surrealist painting — which opened at Paris’s Galerie Pierre in November of 1925. (Although Magritte is best known as one of the visual Surrealist movement’s most talented practitioners, his famous 1943 painting, The Fifth Season, can be interpreted as a formal break from Surrealism.)
The outbreak of World War II led many in the movement to flee Europe for the Americas, further spreading Surrealism abroad. Generations of modern and contemporary artists were subsequently influenced by the richly symbolic and unearthly imagery of Surrealism, from Joseph Cornell to Arshile Gorky.
Find a collection of original Surrealist paintings, sculptures, prints and multiples and more art on 1stDibs.
$420
Art Deco Pastel Colors, Modern Still Life, Ordinary Objects Display, Purple
Located in Barcelona, ES
"Sexy Miami Futuristic Cocktail Lounge" is a series of photographs by Ryan Rivadeneyra inspired by the Art Deco colors of Miami that show beautiful objects ...
Photographic Paper, C Print
Vintage Silver Gelatin Photograph Surrealist Doll Art Photo, Jazz Photographer
By JoAnn Krivin
Located in Surfside, FL
These were from a show of her work. Influenced by Surrealism and Dada Photographs these are images of old children's dolls in various states of decay. These bear the influence of Ha...
Silver Gelatin
After Blossfeldt #1, Vintage Silver Gelatin Signed Photograph
Located in Surfside, FL
Jo Ann Callis (American, b. 1940) After Blossfeldt, 1988; Gelatin silver print; Signed, dated and numbered A/P 1; 13 5/8" x 10 7/8" Jo Ann Callis (born Cincinnati, Ohio 1940) is an ...
Silver Gelatin
Relics 2 Elaborately Constructed Vintage Color Photograph Surrealist Image
By Jane Calvin
Located in Surfside, FL
Chromogenic photo print. hand signed, titled and dated. This is a vintage print, printed in 1987 and editioned 2/10. Jane L. Calvin (born April 27, 1938) is an artist based in Chicag...
C Print
Vintage Silver Gelatin Signed Photograph Pinhole Photo
Located in Surfside, FL
Jo Ann Callis (American, b. 1940); Gelatin silver print; Signed, dated and numbered 3/10 Jo Ann Callis (born Cincinnati, Ohio 1940) is an American artist who works with photography ...
Silver Gelatin
Melancholic Tulip, New York
Located in Toronto, Ontario
André Kertész (1894 - 1985) was a Hungarian-born photographer renowned for his trailblazing contributions to both photojournalism and the medium as an art form. Expected by his fam...
Silver Gelatin
Vintage Silver Gelatin Photograph Surrealist Doll Art Photo, Jazz Photographer
By JoAnn Krivin
Located in Surfside, FL
These were from a show of her work. Influenced by Surrealism and Dada Photographs these are images of old children's dolls in various states of decay. These bear the influence of Ha...
Silver Gelatin
$6,000Sale Price|20% Off
Jaguar
By Ryan Schude
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Edition of 3 plus 2 AP.
Photographic Paper
$5,000Sale Price|33% Off
Untitled, Madrid (Sandals w/ Grass)
By Chema Madoz
Located in Denton, TX
Edition of 15 Signed, dated and numbered. Chema Madoz is one of the most important contemporary Spanish photographers, who is greatly known for his monochromatic, surreal still-life...
Silver Gelatin
Vintage Silver Gelatin Photograph Surrealist Doll Art Photo, Jazz Photographer
By JoAnn Krivin
Located in Surfside, FL
These were from a show of her work. Influenced by Surrealism and Dada Photographs these are images of old children's dolls in various states of decay. These bear the influence of Ha...
Silver Gelatin
Vintage Silver Gelatin Photograph Surrealist Doll Art Photo, Jazz Photographer
By JoAnn Krivin
Located in Surfside, FL
These were from a show of her work. Influenced by Surrealism and Dada Photographs these are images of old children's dolls in various states of decay. These bear the influence of Ha...
Silver Gelatin
Vintage Silver Gelatin Photograph Surrealist Doll Art Photo, Jazz Photographer
By JoAnn Krivin
Located in Surfside, FL
These were from a show of her work. Influenced by Surrealism and Dada Photographs these are images of old children's dolls in various states of decay. These bear the influence of Ha...
Silver Gelatin
Vintage Silver Gelatin Photograph Surrealist Doll Art Photo, Jazz Photographer
By JoAnn Krivin
Located in Surfside, FL
These were from a show of her work. Influenced by Surrealism and Dada Photographs these are images of old children's dolls in various states of decay. These bear the influence of Ha...
Silver Gelatin
$320
Rosemary Ellis Windows VII Silver Gelatin Photograph Print Mid Century House
Located in London, GB
Rosemary Ellis (1910-1988) Windows VII Original proof photograph for Windows in the Outlooks and Insights series published by Bodley Head, by Rosemary & Charlotte Ellis. Silver Gelat...
Silver Gelatin
Vintage Silver Gelatin Photograph Surrealist Doll Art Photo, Jazz Photographer
By JoAnn Krivin
Located in Surfside, FL
These were from a show of her work. Influenced by Surrealism and Dada Photographs these are images of old children's dolls in various states of decay. These bear the influence of Ha...
Silver Gelatin
$320
Rosemary Ellis Windows XVII Silver Gelatin Photograph Print Windows Mid Century
Located in London, GB
We acquired a series of photographs from Rosemary Ellis's studio. To find more from this series scroll down to "More from this Seller" and below it click on "See all from this Seller...
Silver Gelatin
Untitled - (High heel shoe with Eiffel Tower)
By Chema Madoz
Located in Denton, TX
Edition of 15 Signed, dated and numbered in pencil on print verso by Chema Madoz Paper size: 24 x 19 3/4 in., Image size: 22 3/4 x 18 in. Chema Madoz is one of the most important co...
Silver Gelatin
$320
Kew Gardens Palm House Rosemary Ellis Windows VIII Silver Gelatin Photograph
Located in London, GB
Rosemary Ellis (1910-1988) Windows VIII Original proof photograph for Windows in the Outlooks and Insights series published by Bodley Head, by Rosemary & Charlotte Ellis. Silver Gela...
Silver Gelatin
Rosemary Ellis Windows XIV Silver Gelatin Photograph Black and White Print
Located in London, GB
Rosemary Ellis Windows XIV Original proof photograph for Windows in the Outlooks and Insights series published by Bodley Head, by Rosemary & Charlotte Ellis. Silver Gelatin Photograp...
Silver Gelatin
Rosemary Ellis Pipes II Gelatin Silver Photograph Proof Print 1975 for book
Located in London, GB
We acquired a series of photographs from Rosemary Ellis's studio. To find more from this series scroll down to "More from this Seller" and below it click on "See all from this Seller...
Silver Gelatin
$320
Rosemary Ellis Windows VIII Silver Gelatin Photograph Print Palm House Hot Warm
Located in London, GB
Rosemary Ellis (1910-1988) Windows VIII Original proof photograph for Windows in the Outlooks and Insights series published by Bodley Head, by Rosemary & Charlotte Ellis. Silver Gela...
Silver Gelatin
Rosemary Ellis Windows XII Silver Gelatin Photograph Mid Century Print
Located in London, GB
Rosemary Ellis (1910-1988) Windows XII Original proof photograph for Windows in the Outlooks and Insights series published by Bodley Head, by Rosemary & Charlotte Ellis. Silver Gelat...
Silver Gelatin
$320
Rosemary Ellis Cooling Towers Silver Gelatin Photograph Print Surreal electric
Located in London, GB
Rosemary Ellis (1910-1988) Cooling Towers Original photography for Pipes and Wires in the Outlooks and Insights series published by Bodley Head, composed by Rosemary & Charlotte Elli...
Silver Gelatin
$1,350
"Inception" Black & White Photography 24" x 24" in Ed. 2/15 by Olha Stepanian
Located in Culver City, CA
"Inception" Black & White Photography 24" x 24" in Ed. 2/15 by Olha Stepanian Printed on Epson Professional Paper Signed and numbered by the artist Comes with COA issued by the ...
Photographic Paper
Untitled (Grand Piano/Bat)
By Chema Madoz
Located in Denton, TX
Edition of 5 Toned gelatin silver print 54 3/4 x 46 3/4 in. Frame Included. Chema Madoz is one of the most important contemporary Spanish photographers, who is greatly known for his...
Silver Gelatin
Arco de Libros, Madrid (books)
By Chema Madoz
Located in Denton, TX
Edition of 15 Signed, dated and numbered in pencil on print verso. Paper size: 20 x 16 in., Image size: 15 1/2 x 15 in. Chema Madoz is one of the most important contemporary Spanish...
Silver Gelatin
Vintage Silver Gelatin Photograph Surrealist Doll Art Photo, Jazz Photographer
By JoAnn Krivin
Located in Surfside, FL
These were from a show of her work. Influenced by Surrealism and Dada Photographs these are images of old children's dolls in various states of decay. These bear the influence of Ha...
Silver Gelatin
Vintage Silver Gelatin Photograph Surrealist Doll Art Photo, Jazz Photographer
By JoAnn Krivin
Located in Surfside, FL
These were from a show of her work. Influenced by Surrealism and Dada Photographs these are images of old children's dolls in various states of decay. These bear the influence of Ha...
Silver Gelatin
Vintage Silver Gelatin Photograph Surrealist Doll Art Photo, Jazz Photographer
By JoAnn Krivin
Located in Surfside, FL
These were from a show of her work. Influenced by Surrealism and Dada Photographs these are images of old children's dolls in various states of decay. These bear the influence of Ha...
Silver Gelatin
Vintage Silver Gelatin Photograph Surrealist Doll Art Photo, Jazz Photographer
By JoAnn Krivin
Located in Surfside, FL
These were from a show of her work. Influenced by Surrealism and Dada Photographs these are images of old children's dolls in various states of decay. These bear the influence of Ha...
Silver Gelatin
Vintage Silver Gelatin Photograph Surrealist Doll Art Photo, Jazz Photographer
By JoAnn Krivin
Located in Surfside, FL
These were from a show of her work. Influenced by Surrealism and Dada Photographs these are images of old children's dolls in various states of decay. These bear the influence of Ha...
Silver Gelatin
Rosemary Ellis Windows Gelatin Silver photograph Print for book: Windows
Located in London, GB
Rosemary Ellis (1910-1988) Windows Original photography for Windows in the Outlooks and Insights series published by Bodley Head, by Rosemary & Charlotte Ellis. Silver Gelatin Photog...
Silver Gelatin
Rosemary Ellis Windows V Gelatin Silver Photograph Surreal Print for book
Located in London, GB
From a series of similar photographs, to view the others scroll down to 'more from this seller'. Rosemary Ellis Windows V Original proof photograph for Windows in the Outlooks and I...
Silver Gelatin
Rosemary Ellis Windows XIII Gelatin Silver Photograph Print horse stable
Located in London, GB
Rosemary Ellis (1910-1988) Windows XIII Original proof photograph for Windows in the Outlooks and Insights series published by Bodley Head, by Rosemary & Charlotte Ellis. Silver Gela...
Silver Gelatin
Rosemary Ellis Pipes III Gelatin Silver Print Photogragh surreal Pipes 1975
Located in London, GB
Rosemary Ellis Pipes III Original photography for Pipes and Wires in the Outlooks and Insights series published by Bodley Head, composed by Rosemary & Charlotte Ellis. Gelatin Silver...
Silver Gelatin
$2,350
"Inception" Black & White Photography 39" x 39" in Ed. 1/3 by Olha Stepanian
Located in Culver City, CA
"Inception" Black & White Photography 39" x 39" in Ed. 1/3 by Olha Stepanian Printed on Epson Professional Paper Signed and numbered by the artist Comes with COA issued by the ...
Photographic Paper