Surrealism Exhibition Celebrates a Century of Subversion and Diversity

A new exhibition celebrating the centenary of surrealism has opened in Brussels, showcasing the movement's expansive and subversive nature. The exhibition, which will travel to Madrid, Hamburg, and Philadelphia by 2025, aims to highlight the diverse expressions of surrealism that emerged globally, from Europe to the Americas and beyond. Curators emphasize the movement's intent to challenge traditional artistic norms and explore the wondrous aspects of everyday life. At the heart of the exhibition is André Breton's first manifesto, with original manuscript pages on display, loaned from the French national library. The exhibition also features lesser-known artists, such as Japanese painter Tatsuo Ikeda, whose works reflect the traumas of war and industrialization, and Rufino Tamayo, a Mexican artist known for blending modernism with pre-Columbian influences. This focus on a broader range of artists underscores the movement's international reach and impact. The Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Brussels has taken a unique approach by examining the connections between late 19th-century symbolists and surrealists, challenging the notion of a distinct separation between the two movements. Curator Francisca Vandepitte highlights the influence of earlier artists, such as Fernand Khnopff, on surrealist icons like René Magritte, whose works will also be featured in the exhibition. As the exhibition progresses to the Hamburger Kunsthalle and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, it will delve into themes of dreams, nightmares, and the surrealist experience during World War II. Attendees can expect a rich exploration of surrealism's varied themes and styles, offering a comprehensive understanding of this influential artistic movement.