Surrealism (Art Essentials)
Surrealism was one of the 20th century’s most popular art movements. Its founder, André Breton, wanted to transform the way people thought, by learning how to mine the creative potential of the subconscious. While Surrealism's utopian aspirations might not have been met, this intellectual, radical movement made a lasting impact that continues to influence all disciplines to this day. In this lively book, Amy Dempsey introduces the ideas behind the movement, its key figures, their works and where to find them.
Read Amy Dempsey’s discussion with John Iona about Surrealism here
A remarkable balance of well-known paintings and unusual works from around the world… wonderfully fresh
- Dawn Ades, Emeritus Professor of Art at the University of Essex
A first-class introduction
-Will Gompertz, BBC Arts Editor
White, male European artists are well known in most art movements, but in Surrealism Dempsey takes care to give a voice and presence to lesser known artists - women and others outside of dominant society.
- Arlene Shovald, The Mountain Mail, USA
Although a large portion of Amy Dempsey's book is given over to Breton, along with popular figures like Salvador Dali and Man Ray, room is also made to include a number of female artists previously consigned to the fringes. 'Vegetal Puppets' by Remedios Varo stands out as one of the most visually stunning images in the book, while the work of Marie Cerminova, who changed their name to 'Toyen' in order to shed the constraints of gender, haunts the mind long after the page is turned.
- Chris Brownsword, Now Then, UK