Founded by the poet Andre Bréton in 1924, Surrealism was one of the most influential art movements of the 20th century. An admirer of the revolutionary ideas of Karl Marx and Sigmund Freud, Bréton defined Surrealism as ‘Pure psychic automatism… Thought’s dictation, in the absence of all control execrised by the reason and outside all aesthetic or moral preoccupations.’
Source: Essential Design by Catherine McDermott
I didn’t need much encouragement to go to see the Undercover Surrealism exhibition as I have always been a fan of Salvador Dali.
However, the reality didn’t live up to my expectation. Although the Hayward Gallery was a great venue to host this exhibition - with a sense of darkness and mystery - the details were missing. I am no expert in Surrealism and would appreciate a bit more explanation and narrative on the collection. It was easy enough to curate the exhibition based on the Documents magazine founded by Georges Bataille, but I was hoping for more insight into the reasons behind the selection or some interpretations.
On the bright side, I’m pleased that I went to see it as it urged me to find out more about Surrealism and how it can apply to films and music. It’s always good to discover a subject that is worth investigation.
I wish I could’ve went. This is my surrealism resource you might be interested in… http://www.Surrealism-artlinks.com