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.
Dream pool.
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
In 1981 Maggie Taylor (b. 1961) began to photograph while she was a student at Yale University majoring in philosophy. She primarily took photographs of suburban landscapes and stran...
Digital Pigment
They're at it again!
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
In 1981 Maggie Taylor (b. 1961) began to photograph while she was a student at Yale University majoring in philosophy. She primarily took photographs of suburban landscapes and stran...
Digital Pigment
Only on Thursdays.
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
In 1981 Maggie Taylor (b. 1961) began to photograph while she was a student at Yale University majoring in philosophy. She primarily took photographs of suburban landscapes and stran...
Digital Pigment
Beware the Jabberwock.
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
In 1981 Maggie Taylor (b. 1961) began to photograph while she was a student at Yale University majoring in philosophy. She primarily took photographs of suburban landscapes and stran...
Digital Pigment
Anything but a regular bee.
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
In 1981 Maggie Taylor (b. 1961) began to photograph while she was a student at Yale University majoring in philosophy. She primarily took photographs of suburban landscapes and stran...
Digital Pigment
Abdullah's prayer.
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
In 1981 Maggie Taylor (b. 1961) began to photograph while she was a student at Yale University majoring in philosophy. She primarily took photographs of suburban landscapes and stran...
Digital Pigment
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
Rosemary Ellis Wires II Gelatin Silver Photograph for book: Pipes and Wires
Located in London, GB
One from a series of photographs we have listed, to see the others scroll down to 'More from this seller' and click on 'View all from seller' and then search. Rosemary Ellis Wires I...
Silver Gelatin
$315
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
$1,350
"C'mon Baby" Black & White Photography 28" x 20" in Ed. 1/15 by Olha Stepanian
Located in Culver City, CA
"C'mon Baby" Black & White Photography 28" x 20" in Ed. 1/15 by Olha Stepanian Printed on Epson Professional Paper Signed and numbered by the artist Comes with COA issued by the...
Photographic Paper
$2,250
"Moon Birth 3" Black & White Photography 39" x 39" in Ed. 1/3 by Olha Stepanian
Located in Culver City, CA
"Moon Birth 3" 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 t...
Photographic Paper
$2,500
"Age, Sex, Beauty" Photography 30" x 45" in Ed. of 7 by Masha Ko & Kolten Horner
By Masha Ko
Located in Culver City, CA
"Age, Sex, Beauty" Photography 30" x 45" in Ed. of 7 by Masha Ko & Kolten Horner Available sizes: Edition of 15: 24" 36" Edition of 7: 30" 45" Edition of 3: 40" 60" Masha Ko ...
Archival Paper, Digital
$558Sale Price|20% Off
NIGHTMARE Signed Photograph, Surreal Self-Portrait, Mexican Folklore, Skeleton
By Nia Mora
Located in Union City, NJ
NIGHTMARE by the photographer Nia Mora is a very unique self portrait color photograph exhibiting lush deep tones of intense red and jet-black, with haunting surrealist imagery of three figures positioned on a bed in a red walled room: one wearing a skeleton mask robed in black velvet, two with ghostly white faces all portraying the artist's self portrait as three entities of a nightmare. Photo Print size - 24 x 24 inches, unframed, excellent condition, signed in black ink on reverse by photographer Nia Mora Edition of 10 Year produced - 2007 Nia Mora, an American photographer, artist and chef, focuses her commercial work towards her passions of food, wine, and travel. Originally from Detroit, Michigan, her father is the jazz percussionist Francisco Mora...
Photographic Paper, Color
Rosemary Ellis Pipes VI Gelatin Silver Print surreal published photograph
Located in London, GB
Rosemary Ellis Pipes VI 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
$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
$1,150
"Pygmalion and Galatea" Photography 16" x 16" in Edition 2/24 by Olha Stepanian
Located in Culver City, CA
"Pygmalion and Galatea" Photography 16" x 16" in Edition 2/24 by Olha Stepanian Printed on Epson Professional Paper Signed and numbered by the artist Comes with COA issued by the a...
Photographic Paper
$1,850
"Thirst" Black & White Photography 39" x 31" in Edition 1/7 by Olha Stepanian
Located in Culver City, CA
"Thirst" Black & White Photography 39" x 31" in Edition 1/7 by Olha Stepanian Printed on Epson Professional Paper Signed and numbered by the artist Comes with COA issued by the...
Photographic Paper
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
Old Brooklyn Street Dramatic Light - Street Art Literally
Located in Miami, FL
This old Brooklyn street, bathed in dramatic light, is a product of Photographer Mitchell Funk's distinctive photographic vision. From 1969 to the present, it has been characterized ...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
Rosemary Ellis Pipes VII Gelatin Silver Print for book: Pipes and Wires
Located in London, GB
From a series of similar photographs, to see the others scroll down to 'see all from seller'. Rosemary Ellis (1910-1938) Pipes VII Original proof photograph for 'Pipes and Wires' in...
Silver Gelatin
$315
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
$315
Rosemary Ellis Windows XV Silver Gelatin Photograph Black & White Architectural
Located in London, GB
Rosemary Ellis (1910-1988) Windows XV Original proof photograph for Windows in the Outlooks and Insights series published by Bodley Head, by Rosemary & Charlotte Ellis. Silver Gelati...
Silver Gelatin
$315
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
$315
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 III Gelatin Silver Print for book: Windows
Located in London, GB
From a series of similar photographs by Rosemary Ellis. To see the others, scroll down to "More from this Seller" and below it click on "See all from this seller" and search for Elli...
Silver Gelatin
$315
Rosemary Ellis Windows IX Silver Gelatin Photograph Print Gothic Architecture
Located in London, GB
Rosemary Ellis (1910-1988) Windows IX Original proof photograph for Windows in the Outlooks and Insights series published by Bodley Head, by Rosemary & Charlotte Ellis. Silver Gelati...
Silver Gelatin
$315
Rosemary Ellis Windows XVIII Silver Gelatin Photograph Print Surreal published
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
Peter Saville Vinyl Record Art
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Peter Saville vinyl record art 2007: Off-set print on vinyl record. Measure: 12 x 12 inches Excellent condition. Published by Visionaire Fashion, 2007; un...
Plastic, Offset
Signed 1963 ROBERT INDIANA print (Robert Indiana prints)
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Robert Indiana ERR 1963: A rare, sought-after early Robert Indiana print defined by surreal, experimental cinematic-like energy. Hand-signed by Indiana on the lower right. Medium: Photoengraving and etching on Rives BFK. Dimensions: 4 1/2x6 inches (including margins). Very good overall vintage condition. Signed, dated and inscribed "Artist's Proof 'E'" and "CHI" in pencil, lower margin. Rare Trial proof, aside from the main edition of 60. Printed by the artist at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Further background: According to Susan Sheehan, Indiana printed only six progressive trial proofs at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where he learned printmaking from 1949 to 1952, under the supervision of Vera Berdich (inscribed "CHI"). Additionally 13 trial proofs were printed at the Pratt Graphic Art Center, New York (these inscribed "NYC"). The regular edition was printed by Atelier Georges Lablanc, Paris and published by Galleria Schwarz, Milan to be included in International Anthology of Contemporary Engraving: The International Avant-Garde: America Discovered, Volume 5. The plate used for this print was originally given to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago by the R.R. Donnelly Company, printers of Life magazine. Indiana discovered the plate while visiting Berdich at the school and decided to use it in his contribution to the Avant-garde portfolio. Sheehan 29. Robert Indiana 1991: "When I went back to the Art Institute of Chicago at that particular time - I think I was judging a show - I learned that Vera Berdich (Indiana's former teacher) was still there and the idea occurred to me, wouldn't it be fun to do a visiting artist etching, and she concurred. There on the floor was a box of copper plates and the images had been defaced on each one. These copper plates had been donated by the R.R. Donnelly Company, which put out Life magazine. I used to work for Donnelly. My only commercial art job was with them doing the little drawing that appear in the Yellow Pages, like lawnmowers and vacuum cleaners and things like that. Anyway, the idea being that the student was supposed to turn the plate over to use the back side and forget about the image on the front. But I found this image of this actress sitting on her bed with her ironing board and decided it was only very lightly defaced, so I asked if I could use it. And the word "Err" was actually added in New York; it was not in the first proofs in Chicago. Two weeks later, I was thumbing through LIFE magazine and there was this actress in the same page..." About the artist: Robert Indiana is best known for his iconic “LOVE” image, which has appeared across media including sculptures, prints, and paintings and epitomizes the artist’s graphic, predominantly text-based Pop art practice. Throughout his career, Indiana reimagined the aesthetics of American advertisements...
Black and White, Engraving, Etching, Photogravure, Lithograph, Screen
$400Sale Price|20% Off
Signed Daido Moriyama photo book (Daido Moriyama Okinawa s49)
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Signed Daido Moriyama artist book: Daido Moriyama Okinawa s49: Softcover. 2020. Approximately 36 pages; with 17 black & white illustrations. Dimensions: 9.5 x 14.25 inches. Hand signed by Moriyama on the interior first page. From a Limited edition of approximately 700. Excellent overall condition. Artist Statement: "1974 was the first year that I went to Okinawa and it was exactly a one week stay. Most of the photos in this book are those I took during that trip. However, the purpose of the trip to Okinawa then was not to take photos but for Shoumei Toumatsu, Eikou Hosoe, Masahisa Fukase...
Paper
$7,000
Surreal Black Dog Walks at Central Park with Raking Light: Street Photography
Located in Miami, FL
Street Photography- literally. Early light explodes through two Manhattan skyscrapers on a crisp winter day to illuminate Central Park South from an oblique angle. A black dog is c...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
Ripple Effect l
By Paul Dempsey
Located in East Hampton, NY
Ripple Effect I Medium: Black & White Photography (printed on metal) Size: 30" x 20" (larger sizes available - inquire within) 16x24 on metal - 20x30 on metal Made to Order Wat...
Metal
Miss Friday
Located in Wiscasset, ME
Much of Keith Hamilton's work is a comment on human perception: how our mind tries to recognize patterns and make sense of a complex world. Because context greatly influences how we ...
Archival Pigment
"Swimming Suit 3" Photography 31" x 31" in Edition 1/7 by Olha Stepanian
Located in Culver City, CA
"Swimming Suit 3" Photography 31" x 31" in Edition 1/7 by Olha Stepanian Printed on Epson Professional Paper Signed and numbered by the artist Comes with COA issued by the artist N...
Photographic Paper
$2,250
"Rescuer" Black & White Photography 50" x 35" in Edition 1/3 by Olha Stepanian
Located in Culver City, CA
"Rescuer" Black & White Photography 50" x 35" in Edition 1/3 by Olha Stepanian Printed on Epson Professional Paper Signed and numbered by the artist Comes with COA issued by th...
Photographic Paper
$1,200Sale Price|20% Off
“Thou Art Sick” Photography 30" x 20" inch Edition 2/5 by Brian Ziff
By Brian Ziff
Located in Culver City, CA
“Thou Art Sick” Photography 30" x 20" inch Edition 2/5 by Brian Ziff Signed and numbered by the artist Comes with COA signed by the artist Giclee (Archival Ink) Print on Canson Pla...
Archival Ink, Rag Paper, Giclée
$1,850
"About Love" Black & White Photography 31" x 31" in Ed. of 7 by Olha Stepanian
Located in Culver City, CA
"About Love" Black & White Photography 31" x 31" in Ed. of 7 by Olha Stepanian Printed on Epson Professional Paper Signed and numbered by the artist Comes with COA issued by the...
Photographic Paper
$3,086Sale Price|35% Off
Iggy Pop 80s Soldier album, Studio Portrait 1979, Colour Photograph, Framed
Located in London, GB
Iggy Pop - FROM THE ALBUM COVER SOLDIER 1980, STUDIO PORTRAIT (1979), 1979 Archival Pigment Print, Framed Image size 30 x 30 cm Frame: 55 x 45.5 cm © Brian Griffin "I remember this...
Glass, Wood, Photographic Film, Photographic Paper, Color, Archival Pigment
$6,500
Chrysler Building with Flock of Birds Thrusting to the Sky Hahnemuhle Print
Located in Miami, FL
Like a rocket ship poised to blast off, the Chrysler Building's crown is captured alongside an unexpectedly large flock of ascending birds, creating a once-magical, delightful scene....
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
Ripple Effect ll
By Paul Dempsey
Located in East Hampton, NY
Ripple Effect II Year: 2018 Medium: Photography (printed on metal) Size: 30" x 20" (larger sizes available - inquire within) 16x24 on metal - 20x30 on metal Made to Order Water Ripp...
Metal
Vik Muniz Memory Rendering of John John (Vik Muniz The Best of Life)
$2,450
"Geometry" Black & White Photography 39" x 39" in Edition 2/3 by Olha Stepanian
Located in Culver City, CA
"Geometry" Black & White Photography 39" x 39" in Edition 2/3 by Olha Stepanian Printed on Epson Professional Paper Signed and numbered by the artist Comes with COA issued by t...
Photographic Paper
$2,500
"Lighthouse" Photography 45" x 30" in Edition of 7 by Masha Ko & Kolten Horner
Located in Culver City, CA
"Lighthouse" Photography 45" x 30" in Edition of 7 by Masha Ko & Kolten Horner Available sizes: Edition of 15: 36" 24" Edition of 7: 45" 30" Edition of 3: 60" 40" Kolten Horner i...
Archival Paper, Digital
"Birth" Photography 45" x 30" in Edition of 7 by Masha Ko & Kolten Horner
By Masha Ko
Located in Culver City, CA
"Birth" Photography 45" x 30" in Edition of 7 by Masha Ko & Kolten Horner Available sizes: Edition of 15: 36" 24" Edition of 7: 45" 30" Edition of 3: 60" 40" Masha Ko is a Russia...
Archival Paper, Digital
"Ahead of me 2" Photography 31" x 31" in Edition 1/7 by Olha Stepanian
Located in Culver City, CA
"Ahead of me 2" Photography 31" x 31" in Edition 1/7 by Olha Stepanian Printed on Epson Professional Paper Signed and numbered by the artist Comes with COA issued by the artist Not...
Photographic Paper
Noverre - Horse Landscape 2, Sky and Mane, Panoramic Print, Australia 2003
By John Reardon
Located in London, GB
Noverre - Horse Landscape 2, 'Mane', 2003 C-type Hand Print, Mounted on Aluminium, Custom framed, Museum low glare, UV protective art glass 36.5 x 94 cm / 14.5 x 37 inches approx. Ed...
Glass, Wood, Photographic Film, Archival Paper, Photographic Paper, C Pr...
The philosopher’s study.
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
In 1981 Maggie Taylor (b. 1961) began to photograph while she was a student at Yale University majoring in philosophy. She primarily took photographs of suburban landscapes and stran...
Digital Pigment
$1,160Sale Price|20% Off
"Moon Birth" Black & White Photography 24" x 24" in Ed. 6/15 by Olha Stepanian
Located in Culver City, CA
"Moon Birth" Black & White Photography 24" x 24" in Ed. 6/15 by Olha Stepanian Printed on Epson Professional Paper Signed and numbered by the artist Comes with COA issued by th...
Photographic Paper
"Echoes of Return" Photography 41" x 28" in Edition 1/3 by Olha Stepanian
Located in Culver City, CA
"Echoes of Return" Photography 41" x 28" in Edition 1/3 by Olha Stepanian Printed on Epson Professional Paper Signed and numbered by the artist Comes with COA issued by the artist ...
Photographic Paper
$1,350
"Modern Traditions 1" Photography 24" x 24" inch Edition 1/15 by Olha Stepanian
Located in Culver City, CA
"Modern Traditions 1" Photography 24" x 24" inch Edition 1/15 by Olha Stepanian Printed on Epson Professional Paper Signed and numbered by the artist Comes with COA issued by the ar...
Photographic Paper
Surrealist Doll Composition
By Jerry Peil
Located in Surfside, FL
From the David C. and Sarajean Ruttenberg Collection The Ruttenbergs are longtime art lovers who have collected abstract expressionist paintings, African art, sculpture, graphics, ol...
Photographic Paper
$1,350
"Bridging Boundaries" Photography 24" x 24" in Edition 1/15 by Olha Stepanian
Located in Culver City, CA
"Bridging Boundaries" Photography 24" x 24" in Edition 1/15 by Olha Stepanian Printed on Epson Professional Paper Signed and numbered by the artist Comes with COA issued by the art...
Photographic Paper
$1,850
"Speed" Black & White Photography 31.5" x 39" in Edition 1/7 by Olha Stepanian
Located in Culver City, CA
"Speed" Black & White Photography 31.5" x 39" in Edition 1/7 by Olha Stepanian Printed on Epson Professional Paper Signed and numbered by the artist Comes with COA issued by the...
Photographic Paper
$1,850
"Miss Ada" Black & White Photography 31" x 31" in Edition 1/7 by Olha Stepanian
Located in Culver City, CA
"Miss Ada" Black & White Photography 31" x 31" in Edition 1/7 by Olha Stepanian Printed on Epson Professional Paper Signed and numbered by the artist Comes with COA issued by th...
Photographic Paper
$1,750
"Ballet" Black & White Photography 31" x 31" in Edition of 7 by Olha Stepanian
Located in Culver City, CA
"Ballet" Black & White Photography 31" x 31" in Edition of 7 by Olha Stepanian Printed on Epson Professional Paper Signed and numbered by the artist Comes with COA issued by the...
Photographic Paper
“Protect Your Heart” Photography 36" x 28" inch Edition of 24 by Brian Ziff
By Brian Ziff
Located in Culver City, CA
“Protect Your Heart” Photography 36" x 28" inch Edition of 24 by Brian Ziff Signed and numbered by the artist Comes with COA issued by the artist Giclee (Archival Ink) Print on Can...
Archival Ink, Rag Paper, Giclée
Cypress Swamp
Located in Denton, TX
Edition of 25 Signed, titled, dated and numbered in pencil on print verso. Paper size: 17 x 22 in., Image size: 16 x 20 in. Series: Ghostland Keith Carter is an American photographe...
Archival Pigment
$1,800Sale Price|20% Off
"Real 3" Black & White Photography 39" x 39" in Edition 1/3 by Olha Stepanian
Located in Culver City, CA
"Real 3" Black & White Photography 39" x 39" in Edition 1/3 by Olha Stepanian Printed on Epson Professional Paper Signed and numbered by the artist Comes with COA issued by the ...
Photographic Paper
Shot spring
Located in Edinburgh, GB
I did a photo session of a neighbour in my bombed-out office in a studio in Kharkiv. A Russian fighter jet dropped a bomb on March 2 on the roof of this 5-storey building and a neigh...
C Print