Introduction
Surrealism, as an artistic movement, brought many vital aspects to public culture, allowing people to express themselves and personally interpret different events and emotions. Their works have become essential to studying the subconscious and the possible motives that the human psyche can hide. Thus, the rational images usually displayed in other drawing styles could look completely different in surrealism. The timeliness and narrative agenda of surrealism are the main aspects that distinguish this style.
Unique Features of Surrealism
The artistic agenda of surrealism differs significantly from that of other art movements. Its main idea is to reveal the unconscious perception of the surrounding world and present it in a different way to gain access to the hidden fantasies and fears unique to each person.
This approach is perfectly demonstrated in the images of Salvador Dalí, which he conveyed in the painting The Persistence of Memory. The surrealistic landscape he depicted reflects reality in a different way, which is the goal of surrealism. For example, a melting clock symbolizes the passage of time that could not be literally designated (Dalí). The y-shaped branch and the ants on the closed compact indicate that the painting does not depict a static period but shows the essence of time and how it passes.
Influence of Historical Context on Art Movement
The works of art produced by surrealists were timely in the 20th century, as this period was characterized by social upheaval after the First World War. In this context, the display of non-traditional forms in art was relevant, as time contributed to the development of people’s sense of restlessness and impermanence. Surrealism, on the other hand, allowed creators to depict collective fears, such as the passage of time, in a more abstract form (Dalí). Thus, it allowed people to compensate for their experiences by reflecting on and perceiving them through pictures, rather than reality.
Conclusion
In conclusion, surrealism appeared at a specific time that influenced artists and others by providing a basis for compensating for people’s experiences. Thus, it allowed many to understand the abstraction and realize that events can be interpreted in different ways. As a result, surrealism as an art movement can be perceived as an exploration of the state of the human collective psyche during a specific period of history.
Work Cited
Dalí, Salvador. The Persistence of Memory. 1931, Museum of Modern Art, New York.