What is Surrealism?

Surrealism is an avant-garde art and literary movement that emerged in Paris in 1924, founded by poet Andre Breton. The movement sought to channel the unconscious mind to unlock the power of imagination, drawing heavily on Sigmund Freud’s theories of psychoanalysis. Surrealist artists aimed to transcend rational thought and depict dreamlike, illogical scenes, creating strange creatures from everyday objects and developing techniques that allowed the unconscious to express itself. The movement profoundly influenced 20th-century art and continues to inspire contemporary artists working in surrealist traditions today. Learn more in our comprehensive Surrealism glossary entry.