Surrealism at 100: A Pedagogy of Revolt
As Surrealism celebrates its 100th anniversary, having originated in October 1924 with André Breton's Manifesto, its significance is revisited through the lens of freedom. Walter Benjamin recognized this theme in Breton's 'Nadja' (1928), where he critiqued the gap between revolutionary intellectuals and the working class. In 1938, Breton collaborated with Leon Trotsky, under the hospitality of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera in Mexico, to produce 'For an Independent Revolutionary Art.' In Italy, the movement faced suppression, impacting artists like Giorgio de Chirico. Breton's 1926 statement highlighted the necessity of political involvement, facing opposition from conservative factions and fascists. The notion that 'existence is elsewhere' spurred creative investigations, exemplified by 'Les Champs Magnétiques' (1919). Surrealism continues to serve as a catalyst for rebellion, maintaining its relevance after a century.
Key facts
- Surrealism was founded in October 1924 with Breton's Manifesto of Surrealism.
- Walter Benjamin commented on Nadja in 1928, highlighting the concept of freedom.
- Breton and Trotsky wrote 'For an Independent Revolutionary Art' in 1938 in Mexico.
- In Italy, Surrealism was considered subversive and suppressed.
- Breton stated in 1926: 'The only paintings I love... are those that hold up against hunger.'
- Clocks were considered monsters by surrealists for measuring labor exploitation.
- 'Les Champs Magnétiques' (1919) disrupted narrative logic.
- Benjamin noted the subversive potential of objects at Saint-Ouen flea market.
- Breton defined humor as a 'paratonnerre' (lightning rod) for the psyche.
- Félix Guattari performed at the first International Polyphonic Festival in the US in 1979.
- Gilles Deleuze described Guattari's performance as 'a libertarian Souk.'
- Jean-Jacques Lebel created a sculpture 'Monument to Félix Guattari' using the performance.
Entities
Artists
- André Breton
- Walter Benjamin
- Leon Trotsky
- Frida Kahlo
- Diego Rivera
- Giorgio de Chirico
- Alberto Savinio
- Marcel Duchamp
- Jean-Jacques Lebel
- Félix Guattari
- Gilles Deleuze
- Arthur Rimbaud
- Comte de Lautréamont
- Man Ray
- Michel Leiris
- Lawrence Ferlinghetti
- Bernard Heidsieck
- Marcello Faletra
Institutions
- Artribune
Locations
- Europe
- Mexico
- Italy
- Paris
- Saint-Ouen
- United States