Wikipedia describes Surrealism as being a ‘ cultural movement that began in the early 1920s and is best known for its visual artworks and writings. The aim was to resolve the previously contradictory conditions of dream and reality”.
To me, Surrealism is an ‘exciting and challenging’ way to express yourself as an artist. I have an inner Surrealist that hasn’t unleashed itself yet! I believe there’s an invisible hand of fear and insecurity holding a lot of artists back and stopping us from venturing out into the unknown, are we afraid of what we’ll find and once we find it will we be able to get back?
Look briefly at, for example, the work of the well-known Spanish Surreal artist Salvador Dali; http://www.biography.com/people/salvador-dal-40389 He is known for creating artwork with melting clocks like the image shown below called ‘The Persistence of Memory’painted in 1931.
I also find interesting the ‘The Elephants’ created in 1948. Dali has taken the heavy form of elephants and made them skinny and frail looking, with spindly legs. They appear to be carrying Obelisks on their backs but which are in fact floating above them.
Looking a little at Dali’s life, he really wasn’t afraid of delving into new areas and offering something unique to his viewers. A brave man and to be admired.
I believe every artist would grow and develop if they allow themselves the treat of creating a piece of Surreal artwork. Surely you will be able to begin to break down the boundaries of tradition and explore and play in another world? not only with paint and canvas but every material we have to hand today.
I owe it to myself as an artist to accomplish this. Who knows, once I have discovered its freedom and magic! I might not want or need to create anything other than Surreal art.
Karol the Artist 