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History Of Art
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 Submitted to : Mam Rabia Saba

 Course: History Of Art
 Semester: 3rd semester (2023)
 Dated: 20-05-2023
 Participant Name
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Asad Saeed
Arslan Khan
Moeed Ali
Tahir Ali Shah
Muhammad Zohaib
 Surrealism
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 Surrealism is an influential artistic and cultural movement
that emerged in the early 20th century, primarily as a
response to the rationalism and societal norms of the time. It
sought to unlock the power of the subconscious mind and
explore the realm of dreams, desires, and the irrational.
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 Surrealism encompassed various artistic mediums, including
painting, sculpture, literature, film, and even political and
social theory. In this presentation, we will delve into the
characteristics of Surrealism and discuss its significance in
the art world.
 Characteristics Of Surrealism
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Exploration of the Unconscious:
Surrealism aimed to tap into the deep recesses of the human
mind, exploring the power of dreams, the irrational, and the
subconscious. Artists sought to liberate themselves from the
constraints of reason and logic, embracing the fantastic and the
bizarre.
Automatism:
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Surrealist artists valued spontaneity and automatic processes.
They often employed techniques such as automatic writing
and drawing, where they would create without conscious
thought or control. This approach allowed for the emergence
of unexpected and uncensored imagery.
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Juxtaposition and Transformation:
Surrealism thrived on unexpected and often absurd
combinations. Artists combined unrelated objects or ideas,
creating new and thought-provoking relationships. The aim was
to challenge conventional understanding and provoke a sense of
disorientation and surprise.
Dreamlike Imagery:
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Surrealist art often featured dreamlike, hallucinatory, and
otherworldly imagery. Artists depicted unusual or distorted
figures, landscapes, and scenarios, blurring the boundaries
between the real and the imaginary. Symbolism and metaphor
were frequently employed to convey deeper meanings.
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Subversion of Authority and Conventions:
Surrealists were critical of established societal norms and systems.
They sought to disrupt and challenge the status quo, often
through the use of humour, satire, and shock. Surrealist art
frequently addressed political and social issues, conveying
messages of rebellion and liberation.
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Psychological and Freudian Influences:
Sigmund Freud's theories on psychoanalysis greatly influenced
the Surrealist movement. Surrealists embraced Freud's ideas on
the unconscious mind, dreams, and the exploration of desires and
fears. They aimed to unveil hidden aspects of the human psyche
through their artistic creations.
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Collaboration and Collective Creation:
Surrealism fostered a sense of community and collaboration
among artists. Group activities, such as the exquisite corpse game,
encouraged spontaneous collective creations, blurring individual
authorship. Surrealist manifestos and exhibitions further
promoted the movement's ideals and objectives.
Legacy and Influence: 
Surrealism had a profound impact on art and culture, leaving a
lasting legacy. Its influence extended beyond the visual arts,
shaping literature, cinema, fashion, and even advertising.
Surrealism paved the way for subsequent artistic movements,
such as abstract expressionism and pop art, and continues to
inspire contemporary artists today.
 Conclusion:
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In conclusion, Surrealism was a ground-breaking movement
that pushed the boundaries of artistic expression. Its focus on
the subconscious, automatic processes, and unconventional
imagery challenged traditional notions of art and reality. By
embracing the irrational and the dreamlike, Surrealists created a
new visual language that continues to captivate and intrigue
audiences to this day.
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THE END