Surrealism
A 20th-century avant-garde movement in art and literature that sought to release the creative potential of the unconscious mind.
Surrealism emerged in the 1920s, championing the irrational, the dream-like, and the subconscious. Think melting clocks (Dalí) and men in bowler hats with apples for faces (Magritte).
The Collector's Take
Surrealism remains one of the most popular and commercially viable periods of Modern art. Its imagery is iconic and "readable," making it highly desirable for collectors.
Why It Matters for Collectors
- Market Power: Top Surrealist works (Magritte, Ernst, Dalí) consistently break auction records.
- Legacy: Surrealism influenced heavily later movements, including Abstract Expressionism and Pop Art.
- Scope: It covers painting, sculpture, photography, and film, offering diverse entry points.
Related Terms
Abstract ExpressionismPop ArtModernism
Visual representation of Surrealism