What is Automatism in art?

Automatism is a Surrealist technique that suppresses conscious control to allow the unconscious mind to guide artistic creation. Developed in the early 20th century by Surrealist artists such as Andre Breton and Max Ernst, the method served as a pathway to access the unconscious mind, enabling artists to produce work free from rational deliberation. Methods include automatic writing (writing without thinking), automatic drawing, and collaborative games like the Exquisite Corpse. The technique emphasizes spontaneity and improvisation, frequently incorporating elements of chance and accident. Andre Breton considered automatism central to Surrealism, describing it as ‘pure psychic automatism.’ The technique significantly influenced subsequent art movements, ranging from Abstract Expressionism to Performance Art, and remains relevant to contemporary artistic practice.