What is the relationship between Surrealism and politics?

Surrealism maintained complex political commitments throughout its history. Andre Breton aligned the movement with revolutionary politics, joining the French Communist Party in 1927 before breaking over artistic freedom. Surrealists opposed fascism, colonialism, and bourgeois society, seeing unconscious liberation as inherently revolutionary. The 1930 ‘Second Manifesto’ emphasized political engagement. However, tensions between artistic autonomy and party discipline caused ongoing conflicts. Some Surrealists like Dali were expelled for political positions. During World War II, Surrealists produced anti-fascist work and fled Nazi occupation. Contemporary movements like Afro-Surrealism continue Surrealism’s tradition of using dreamlike imagery to address political realities and envision liberation.