surrealism etymology

Etymology

"Surrealism" is derived from the French phrase "surréalisme," which means "super-realism" or "above-realism." It was coined in 1917 by the French writer and critic Guillaume Apollinaire.

Meaning

Surrealism is an art and literary movement that aims to express the workings of the subconscious mind through irrational imagery, dreamlike states, and unexpected juxtapositions. It seeks to transcend the boundaries of conscious thought and explore the realms of the unconscious.

Origin

Surrealism emerged in the early 20th century as a response to the rationalism and industrialization of the time. It was influenced by:

• The theories of psychoanalysis developed by Sigmund Freud, which revealed the hidden workings of the subconscious mind.
• The experimental techniques of Dadaism, which sought to disrupt traditional artistic conventions.
• The works of Symbolist poets who explored the realms of the irrational and the fantastic.

Key Concepts

• Automatic writing and drawing: Techniques used to bypass conscious control and allow the subconscious mind to express itself freely.
• Dream imagery: Symbolism and imagery drawn from dreams to access the subconscious and create unexpected juxtapositions.
• Collage and montage: The combination of disparate images to create unexpected and disorienting effects.
• Humor and absurdity: The use of humor and absurdity to challenge rational thought and the established order.

Surrealism had a profound impact on art, literature, film, and theater, and its influence continues to be felt in contemporary artistic practices.

surrealism relate terms

• realism

  Etymology Realism comes from the Latin res meaning thing or reality Meaning

• real

  Etymology The word etymology comes from the Greek words étymon meaning true meani

• realistic

  Etymology Origin Latin realis meaning pertaining to things Evolution 13th cen

• surreal

  Etymology The word surreal is derived from two French words Sur meaning over or

• surrealism

  Etymology Surrealism is derived from the French phrase surréalisme which means sup

• surrealist

  Etymology Sur French over above Réalisme French realism Meaning Surre

• abstract

  Etymology Origin Latin abstractus past participle of abstrahere meaning to draw away

• alliance

  Etymology The word alliance comes from the French word alliance which itself origina

• confusion

  Etymology The word confusion is derived from the Latin word confusio which means a

• courage

  Etymology French courage Latin cor heart Proto Indo European ḱr̥d heart

• flesh

  Etymology of Flesh The word flesh comes from the Old English word flǣsc which is

• reckon

  Etymology Middle English reknen from Old English reccan Proto West Germanic rakōn

• revival

  Etymology The word revival comes from the Middle English word reviven which in turn

• incarceration

  Etymology The word incarceration comes from the Latin incarcerare meaning to impri

• catharsis

  Etymology Greek κάθαρσις katharsis meaning purification cleansing Me