Surrealism

Surrealism is an art style that began in the 1920s. The art often looks like a dream or a wild idea. You might see a fish in the sky or a clock melting like cheese. Surrealist artists wanted to show what happens inside the mind.

Where It Came From

Surrealism started in France after World War One. A writer named Andre Breton wrote about it in 1924. He wanted artists to paint their dreams. Many artists and writers joined the movement.

A dreamlike painting of a strange machine that looks like an elephant.
A dreamlike painting of a strange machine that looks like an elephant. (Max Ernst (1891–1976) / Wikimedia Commons)

Famous Artists

Salvador Dali is one of the most famous surrealist artists. He painted melting clocks on a beach. Rene Magritte painted a man with an apple hiding his face. Frida Kahlo also made art that feels like a dream.

Fun Facts

  • Salvador Dali had a pet anteater and a funny curled mustache.
  • Surrealist artists played games to get new ideas.
  • The word surreal means more than real or above real.

Did You Know?

Walt Disney once worked with Salvador Dali on an animated movie called Destino. It took almost 60 years to finish!