Les Chants de Maldoror Describes Surrealist Discontinuity
The 1868 novel Les Chants de Maldoror described a surreal scene of a sewing machine and an umbrella on a dissecting table, which became a central idea in Surrealism.
1889
Skeletons Warming Themselves by James Ensor
James Ensor painted Skeletons Warming Themselves in 1889, featuring costumed skeletons gathered around a stove, showcasing his unique style that foreshadowed Surrealism.
1910
The Enigma of the Oracle by Giorgio de Chirico
Giorgio de Chirico's painting The Enigma of the Oracle, dating back to 1910, is considered a precursor to Surrealism and showcases his pittura metafisica (metaphysical art) approach.
1913
The Uncertainty of the Poet
The Uncertainty of the Poet is a painting by Giorgio de Chirico that embodies the dream-like atmosphere and strange juxtapositions typical of Surrealist art. It reflects the Surrealists' fascination with dreams as visual representations of unconscious thoughts and desires, influenced by Sigmund Freud's ideas.
1914
Giorgio de Chirico's The Anxiety of Waiting
Giorgio de Chirico's painting 'The Anxiety of Waiting' from 1914 depicted a desolate Italian piazza with classical architecture, devoid of people but filled with an assortment of objects like statuary and mannequins. The painting evoked anxieties of the Industrial Age and skepticism towards modernity.
1917-06-24
First use of term 'Surrealism'
The term 'Surrealism' was first used by Guillaume Apollinaire in his play Les Mamelles de Tirésias (The Breasts of Tiresias).
1919
The Littérature journal first issue published
In 1919, the Littérature journal, led by André Breton, Louis Aragon, and Philippe Soupault, releases its inaugural edition.
1920-01-17
Tristan Tzara arrives in Paris
On January 17th, 1920, the artist Tristan Tzara arrives in Paris.
1922
Creation of Surrealism
In 1922, the concept of 'motion blur' was created, which later evolved into the art movement known as Surrealism in 1924.
1923-05-19
Influence of Surrealism on Films
Surrealism had a significant impact on films, animation, and television by rejecting rational values and liberating the unconscious mind. Artists like Man Ray, Salvador Dali, and Luis Buñuel were notable contributors to this movement.
1924
Surrealism Movement
Surrealism, an art movement that explored the realm of dreams and the unconscious mind, emerged as a continuation of the Dada movement's rejection of societal norms and artistic traditions. It aimed to unlock the creative potential of the subconscious through fantastical and dream-like imagery.
1924-10-15
Writer André Breton publishes the Surrealist Manifesto
On October 15th, writer André Breton publishes the Surrealist Manifesto.
1924-12-01
The first copy of The Surrealist Revolution is published
On December 1st, the first copy of The Surrealist Revolution is published.
1925-02-09
Freud, Cafe Meetings, and Automatic Drawings
On February 9, 1925, Surrealists engaged in cafe meetings where they played collaborative drawing games, discussed Surrealism theories, and practiced techniques like automatic drawing. They were influenced by Freud's work on dream analysis and the unconscious.
1925-02-18
La Peinture Surrealiste Exhibition
On February 18, 1925, artists Miró and Masson applied Surrealism to painting, leading to the first Surrealist exhibition. The show featured works by Masson, Man Ray, Klee, Miró, and others, solidifying Surrealism's position in the visual arts.
1925-11-13
Exposition Surréaliste in Paris
On November 13, 1925, the Exposition Surréaliste opened in Paris, featuring artists like Arp, Klee, Man Ray, Ernst, Miró, de Chirico, and Picasso, marking the debut of Surrealist art under Breton's banner.
1926-03-26
Galerie Surréaliste opened with exhibition by Man Ray
Galerie Surréaliste opened its doors on March 26, 1926, featuring an exhibition by the American artist Man Ray. Man Ray, a significant figure in the Surrealist movement, showcased his avant-garde photography and other works at the gallery.
1927
First Encounter with Surrealism
At the age of ten, she saw her first Surrealist painting in a Left Bank gallery in Paris and later met many Surrealists, including Paul Éluard.
1927-06
Yves Tanguy's paintings exhibition at Surrealist Gallery
In June 1927, the Surrealist Gallery hosted an exhibition featuring paintings by Yves Tanguy. This event highlighted Tanguy's artistic contributions within the Surrealist movement.
1928-09-21
The Treachery of Images by René Magritte
The Treachery of Images is a famous painting by René Magritte, depicting a pipe with the text 'Ceci n'est pas une pipe' (This is not a pipe) below it. Magritte aimed to challenge viewers' perceptions of reality with his thought-provoking art, making them question the nature of representation.
1929-06
Variety magazine publishes special issue on Surrealism
In June 1929, Variety magazine released a special issue focusing on Surrealism, a significant art movement that emerged in the early 20th century.
1929-10
Screening of Un Chien Andalou in Paris
In October 1929, the film 'Un Chien Andalou' by Salvador Dali and Luis Buñuel was screened at studio 28 in Paris, a groundbreaking surrealist film that shocked audiences with its provocative imagery.
1930-03
Publication of the third Surrealist Manifesto
In March 1930, Robert Desnos published the third Surrealist Manifesto, a key document that outlined the principles and goals of the Surrealist movement.
1930-06
Publication of the second Surrealist Manifesto by Éditions Kra
In June 1930, Éditions Kra published the second Surrealist Manifesto, further solidifying the ideas and direction of the Surrealist movement.
1931-06-19
The Persistence of Memory
The Persistence of Memory is a renowned artwork by an artist. It is known for its surreal depiction of melting clocks in a dream-like landscape. The painting is a significant piece in the Surrealist movement, inviting viewers to ponder the nature of time and reality.
1932
Surrealist exhibition in New York
In 1932, a surrealist exhibition was held in New York showcasing the works of surrealist artists.
1933
Gala Dalí becomes Salvador Dalí's wife
Gala Dalí, originally the wife of Surrealist poet Paul Eluard and lover of Max Ernst, became the wife of Salvador Dalí. Salvador Dalí dedicated all his work to her, even signing her name to his paintings because she inspired them.
1934
Publication of prologue to 'Interprétation paranoïaque-critique de l'image obsédante 'L'Angélus' de Millet'
The first issue of the Paris-based magazine Minotaure published the prologue to the book 'Interprétation paranoïaque-critique de l'image obsédante 'L'Angélus' de Millet', which remained unpublished until 1963. The book focused on the Paranoiac-critical Interpretation of the Obsessive Image 'The Angelus' by Millet.
1934
Salvador Dali visits the City of New York
In 1934, Salvador Dali, the renowned surrealist artist, visits the City of New York for a significant event.
1935-04-09
First issue of the International Surrealist Bulletin
On April 9th, 1935, the first issue of the International Surrealist Bulletin is published, marking a significant moment in the dissemination of surrealist ideas and art.
1936-06-11
London Surrealist Exhibition
The London Surrealist Exhibition in 1936 was a significant event that marked a high point for Surrealism, showcasing works by artists like Salvador Dalí and René Magritte. This exhibition played a key role in popularizing the movement internationally.
1936-06-19
Fantastic Art, Dada and Surrealism Exhibition at MoMA
In June 1936, the Museum of Modern Art in New York hosted the exhibition 'Fantastic Art, Dada and Surrealism', featuring groundbreaking works by artists associated with these avant-garde movements. The exhibition contributed to the recognition and appreciation of Surrealism in the United States.
1937
Ernst experiments with decalcomania and grattage techniques
In 1937, Max Ernst, a former Dadaist, started to explore decalcomania and grattage techniques. Decalcomania involves pressing a sheet of paper onto a painted surface and then peeling it off, while grattage is the act of scraping pigment across a canvas laid on a textured surface. Ernst combined these methods in his artwork The Barbarians (1999.363.21), depicting anthropomorphic figures in a postapocalyptic setting with themes of violence and annihilation.
1938
Exposition Internationale du Surréalisme at Galerie Beaux-Arts
The Galerie Beaux-Arts in Paris, France organized the 'Exposition Internationale du Surréalisme' exhibition in 1938.
1938-01-17
Exposition Internationale du Surréalisme of 1938
The Exposition Internationale du Surréalisme of 1938 was a significant art exhibit co-curated by André Breton and Paul Éluard, with Marcel Duchamp, Dalí, and Ernst as advisers. It featured nearly 300 works by 60 contributors from 14 countries and showcased the movement's cultural impact.
1938-08-19
New International Surrealist Exhibition
The New International Surrealist Exhibition held in 1938 was a significant event that showcased the works of Surrealist artists from around the world. This exhibition further solidified Surrealism as a prominent art movement with a global reach.
1939
Surrealist Artists in Exile
With the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939, many Surrealist artists, including Breton and Masson, sought refuge in the United States and became part of the 'European Artists in Exile'. Their presence in New York influenced the emergence of the Abstract Expressionist movement.
1940
International Exhibition of Surrealism in Mexico City
The International Exhibition of Surrealism took place in Mexico City in 1940, showcasing the works of various surrealist artists from around the world.
1941-04-27
International Surrealist Exhibition at Beaux-arts Gallery
A new International Surrealist Exhibition took place at the Beaux-arts Gallery in Paris, showcasing over 300 paintings, objects, and photographs by more than 60 artists. The exhibition, designed as a cave with coal bags suspended from the ceiling, scandalized viewers and aimed to be a creative act.
1942
Peggy Guggenheim's Exhibition of Surrealist-Influenced Artists in New York
In 1942, Peggy Guggenheim held an exhibition in New York featuring Surrealist-influenced artists alongside European artists. This event underscored the rapid spread of Surrealist concepts through the New York art community.
1943
First Papers of Surrealism Exhibition
The Madison Avenue Gallery in New York City, USA held the 'First Papers of Surrealism' exhibition in 1943.
1944
The Eternal Presence painting by Wifredo Lam
During World War II, Cuban painter Wifredo Lam created The Eternal Presence painting, which combined Cubist-Primitivist-Surrealist influences and was influenced by Picasso's Les Demoiselles d’Avignon.
1945-08-15
End of World War Two
World War II came to an end, causing European artists to flee to North America. The New York art scene, already influenced by Surrealism, saw a convergence of Surrealist artists like Arshile Gorky, Jackson Pollock, and Robert Motherwell with American artists, leading to the rise of Abstract Expressionism.
1947
International Exhibition of Surrealism
In 1947, the International Exhibition of Surrealism took place, showcasing various artworks from the Surrealist movement.
1949
Retrospective of paintings by Francis Picabia at Drouin Gallery
In 1949, the Drouin Gallery in Paris organized a retrospective exhibition featuring paintings by Francis Picabia, highlighting his artistic contributions.
1950
Exhibition of works by Max Ernst at Drouin Gallery
In 1950, the Drouin Gallery in Paris exhibited works by Max Ernst, showcasing his artistic creations to the public.
1960
Retrospective of Max Ernst's Works at The Museum of Modern Art
In 1960, The Museum of Modern Art in Paris organized a retrospective exhibition showcasing the works of the renowned artist Max Ernst.
1961
Remedios Varo's The Call
Remedios Varo's painting titled The Call, created in 1961, depicts a surreal scene on masonite. The artwork is housed in the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, DC.
1963
International Exhibition on Surrealism in Paris
In 1963, a significant international exhibition focusing on Surrealism was held in Paris, showcasing the artistic movement to a global audience.
1964-12-25
Death of Tristan Tzara in Paris
On December 25th, 1964, the prominent figure Tristan Tzara passed away in Paris, France, leaving behind a legacy in the world of art and literature.
1965
Retrospective Exhibition on Surrealism at Charpentier Gallery
In 1965, the Charpentier Gallery in Paris hosted a retrospective exhibition dedicated to Surrealism, highlighting the impact and evolution of the artistic movement.
1966
Surrealism: A State of Mind Exhibition
An exhibition titled 'Surrealism: A State of Mind' took place at the Universidad de California, Santa Barbara, California, USA in 1966.
1966-06-07
Death of Jean Arp
On June 7th, 1966, the artist Jean Arp passed away in Basel, Switzerland.
1966-09-28
Death of André Breton
In September 28th, 1966, the poet André Breton died in Paris, marking the end of an era for Surrealism.
1967-08-15
Death of René Magritte
Renowned artist René Magritte passed away on August 15th, 1967, in Lessines, Belgium.
1969
Manifestoes of Surrealism
The book 'Manifestoes of Surrealism' was translated by Richard Seaver and Helen R. Lane and published in Ann Arbor by the University of Michigan Press in 1969.
1978
Dada and Surrealism Reviewed
The book 'Dada and Surrealism Reviewed' was published in London by the Arts Council of Great Britain in 1978.
1979
Role of Women in Surrealism
The role of women in Surrealism was complex and contradictory, as they were both infantilized and empowered, treated as erotic objects and supported in their sexual emancipation. Despite being a minority within the Surrealist group, many women artists achieved significant recognition within the movement.
1985
L'Amour Fou: Photography & Surrealism
The exhibition catalogue 'L'Amour Fou: Photography & Surrealism' was published in New York by Abbeville in 1985.
1999
The Satin Tuning Fork by Yves Tanguy
The Satin Tuning Fork, painted by Yves Tanguy in 1999, features an illusionistic space filled with unidentifiable yet sexually suggestive objects. The artwork is characterized by mysterious lighting, long shadows, deep receding space, and a sense of loneliness, reminiscent of de Chirico's style.
2001
Surrealism: Desire Unbound
The exhibition catalogue 'Surrealism: Desire Unbound' was published in London by Tate Publishing in 2001.
2002
The Eternally Obvious by René Magritte
The painting titled The Eternally Obvious by René Magritte, created in 2002, depicts a dismembered female nude in an emotionally shocking manner. This artwork is a significant example of Magritte's artistic style within the Surrealist movement.
2012
In Wonderland: The Surrealist Adventures of Women Artists Exhibition
In 2012, an exhibition titled 'In Wonderland: The Surrealist Adventures of Women Artists in Mexico and the United States' was held in Los Angeles, USA.
2017
Surrealist Women Exhibition in Barcelona
The 'Surrealist Women' exhibition is showcased at Mayoral in Barcelona, Spain in 2017.
2019-04-25
Surrealism in Mexico Exhibition in New York City
An exhibition on Surrealism in Mexico is showcased at Di Donna Galleries in New York City, United States from 25 April to 29 June 2019.
2022
Meret Oppenheim Retrospective Exhibition at MoMA
In 2022, a retrospective exhibition dedicated to Meret Oppenheim was held at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). This exhibition celebrated Oppenheim's artistic career spanning over 50 years.
2022-03-30
Surrealism and Magic: Enchanted Modernity Co-Curator, Gražina Subelytė Interviewed
An interview with Gražina Subelytė, the co-curator of the exhibition 'Surrealism and Magic: Enchanted Modernity' in Venice, discussing the role of the occult in Surrealism.
2022-04-07
Venice exhibition explores Surrealism’s interest in the occult
A major show at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice includes works by Surrealist artists like Leonora Carrington and Dorothea Tanning, focusing on Surrealism's fascination with the occult.
2023-01-17
Natalia Tiberio
Natalia Tiberio's event on 17th January 2023.
2023-05-05
Surréalisme au Féminim? Exhibition at Musée de Montmarte
The exhibition 'Surréalisme au Féminin?' at Musée de Montmartre Jardins Renoir explores femininity in Surrealism from March 31 to September 10, 2023.
2023-06-16
Evolution of Self-Portraiture Unveiling
A historical exploration of self-portraiture evolution, including the modern phenomenon of the selfie.
2023-06-19
Rothko Painting Auction
An auction event showcasing the art and legacy of Rothko, culminating in record-breaking sales of his paintings.
2023-09-01
Tommy Thiange
Tommy Thiange's event on 1st September 2023.
2024-02-21
100 Years of Surrealism in Belgium
Surrealism celebrates its 100th anniversary with unmissable exhibitions at two key art institutions in Brussels since February 21, 2024.
2024-04-04
Zdzisław Beksiński in 10 Paintings
Zdzisław Beksiński, a visionary Polish artist, made a mark in the art world through his distinctive style showcased in 10 paintings.