Surrealism and enchanting spells captivated modernity, drawing artists and audiences alike into a world of imagination and introspection. In the early 20th century, amidst the rapid changes and upheavals of the modern age, surrealism emerged as a movement that sought to challenge traditional notions of reality and explore the depths of the subconscious mind. With its dreamlike imagery, juxtaposition of seemingly unrelated elements, and exploration of psychology, surrealism captivated the modern imagination. At its core, surrealism aimed to tap into the irrational and the unconscious, bypassing the rational mind to access deeper truths and insights. Artists such as Salvador Dalí, René Magritte, and Max Ernst sought to go beyond the limitations of reason and logic, delving instead into the realm of dreams and the subconscious. The use of bizarre, otherworldly imagery allowed them to create alternative realities, where familiar objects and scenes took on unexpected and often unsettling meanings.
Program & Tickets? directly via the link: Film Museum Potsdam
For example, one surrealist painting, The Metamorphosis, is about the protagonist, Gregor Samsa, who wakes up to find that he has turned into a worm. The museum gives exiting insights into surreal worlds, takes a new look at the symbolism of images and is creating fascinating cross-references to literature, philosophy and psychology.
The use of bizarre, otherworldly imagery allowed them to create alternative realities, where familiar objects and scenes took on unexpected and often unsettling meanings. One of the key techniques employed by surrealists was automatism, a method of creating art that involved tapping into the subconscious without the interference of conscious thought. This free-flowing approach allowed for unexpected connections and discoveries, resulting in artworks that challenged conventional interpretations and invited viewers to see the world in a different light.
Surrealism and enchanting spells captivated modernity
erlin's museums are home to some of the world's most famous collections, but the Museum Barberini in Potsdam near Berlin is definitely one not to be missed when visiting Berlin. The exhibitions of Gerhard Richter and Monet are unforgettable and currently the museum shows captivating insights with the exhibition "Surrealism and Magic. Enchanted Modernity". The museum gives exiting insights into surreal worlds, takes a new look at the symbolism of images and is creating fascinating cross-references to literature, philosophy and psychology.
Exhibit Hall Museum Barberini, Surrealism and Magic: Enchanted Modernity, Art Works by Enrico Donati, left: Tower of the Alchemist. Game of Ultrasound, right: Elektric Eye ((c) Kischreport
What an exciting time Paris must have been in the 1920s and 30s, when artists met the writers of the so-called “Lost Generation” and the co-founders of Parisian literary Dada André Breton, Louis Aragon and Philippe Soupault founded the magazine “Littérature”, whose followers, co-creators and actions eventually became one of the most influential currents in art, all starting in Paris.
Surrealism is not a uniform style but a state of mind
Above: Remedios Varo, Celestial Pablum ((c) VG Bild-Kunst, Bonn 2022); Right: Dorothea Tanning, The magic Flower Game inspired by Lewis Carrolls Alice in wonderland ((c) The Estate of Dorothea Tanning/VG Bild-Kunst, Bonn 2022)
Breton described the basic idea of the current with his first and second “Manifesto of Surrealism”: dream and reality merge into a new reality, “Surrealism”. His writings then in turn inspired not only artists of the time but also performance artists of the present such as Christoph Schlingensief. In 1938, he was able to gather more than 200 works by 60 artists from 14 countries in a Paris exhibition (Exposition Internationale du Surréalisme). Due to the emigration of many artists to the USA, partly with the help of Peggy Guggenheim, the works were saved from war and destruction and the Surrealists were able to continue their work in their New York exile. Unlike, for example, the art of Impressionism or Cubism, Surrealism is not a uniform style, it is a state of mind. At the center of surrealism was the world of dreams and the unconscious.
Victor Brauner, The Surrealist, (Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Venedig, ((c) VG Bild-Kunst, Bonn 2022)
Above: Max Ernst, Day and Night, (c) VG Bild-Kunst, Bonn 2022; Left: Leonora Carrington, The Necromancer, (c) VG Bild-Kunst, Bonn 2022
Can thoughts change reality?
Many surrealists studied the writings of C.G. Jung, Sigmund Freud or knew Kurt Seligmann’s book “The World Empire of Magic”. For André Breton and the followers of surrealism, magic was not a belief in the supernatural (which they rejected) but rather the idea that inner desires and longings could directly influence external reality, just as Freud’s belief in the “omnipotence of thought” in connection with the creation of art. Daniel Zamani, the curator of the exhibition explains, “With their dreamlike pictorial inventions, the Surrealists wanted to spur the human imagination and encourage viewers to engage with their inner lives.”
Paul Delvaux, Break of Day, Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Venice, Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, New York, ((c) VG Bild-Kunst, Bonn 2022)
Each picture of the exhibition resembles a treasure hunt – hidden in the pictures are occult symbols (occult = secret, hidden) and references to myths or legends. One finds comparisons to the search for the philosopher’s stone or the power of the 4 elements, which stand for immortality (as in Delvaux’s “Dawn” from 1937). Or you can find the symbolic language of the alchemists, with numerous symbols and magical figures, which exemplify in the tarot deck for magical protection, hope or renewal. Since the Middle Ages, alchemists tried to transform low-value metals, base materials or minerals into gold, the metal that was also a symbol of immortality. or also the into gold. Gold – the very metal that also represented a symbol of immortality. – What was gold for the alchemists, became the soul for the surrealists – an immaterial treasure that everyone can find (in themselve). The exhibition of the Barberini Museum is an invitation to dive into the world of dreams and the unconscious.
In this sense: definitely go there and enjoy dreaming!
When? October 22, 2022 – January 29, 2023
Where? Museum Barberini, Potsdam
Opening Hours? daily except Tuesdays, 10-19 h
Guided tours? Audio guides in German and English available via the Barberini App (free via Google Play or the App Store (www.museum-barberini.de/app)) and guided tours take place daily at 11am and 12pm and additionally at 3pm on weekends.
Tickets? Regular from 16 €, reduced 10 €
Infos? The exhibition features around 90 works that were previously shown at the Guggenheim Museum in Venice at the same time as the Biennale. Well-known representatives of Surrealism such as Max Ernst, René Magritte, and Salvador Dalí are represented there, as are numerous previously unknown representatives. The works on loan have been gathered from more than 50 international museums and private collections, and a large part of them also come from the Peggy Guggenheim Collection.
If you want to stay in the theme of surrealism: artists like Man Ray or Buñuel expanded the boundaries of film in the spirit of surrealism – which is why the Filmmuseum Potsdam is showing a series of films to match the exhibition.
Film series “Maximal Surreal” – Films from 10 decades and a film dream
Where? Film Museum Potsdam
When? October 30, 2022 to January 22, 2023
Program & Tickets? directly via the link: Film Museum Potsdam
Surrealism was not just limited to visual arts; it found expression in literature, film, and even politics. Writers such as André Breton and Louis Aragon embraced surrealist principles in their works, creating narratives that defied traditional narrative structures and sought to capture the essence of the subconscious. Films like Luis Buñuel's "Un Chien Andalou" shocked and mesmerized audiences with its surreal and provocative imagery, pushing the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in cinema. The enchanting spells of surrealism's imagery and ideas had a profound impact on modernity. It opened up new possibilities for artistic expression, challenging the status quo and pushing the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in art. Surrealism invited viewers to question their own perception of reality and encouraged them to explore the depths of their own subconscious minds. By embracing the irrational and the dreamlike, surrealism allowed for a more nuanced understanding of the complexity of the human experience. It captivated modernity with its allure and continues to inspire and enchant audiences to this day..
Reviews for "Surrealism's Impact on Modernity: A Captivating Revolution"
1. John - 2/5 stars - "I was really looking forward to "Surrealism and enchanting spells captivated modernity" based on the description, but I found it to be quite disappointing. The artwork was definitely unique and unconventional, but it just didn't resonate with me. The use of surrealism felt forced and overdone, lacking any deeper meaning or purpose. I also found the enchanting spells aspect to be confusing and unnecessary, as it didn't add anything substantial to the overall exhibition. Overall, I left feeling unsatisfied and confused about the intentions behind this display."
2. Sarah - 1/5 stars - "I couldn't understand "Surrealism and enchanting spells captivated modernity" at all. It seemed like a mishmash of random objects and abstract artwork that made no sense to me. The enchanting spells aspect felt gimmicky and out of place. I usually enjoy contemporary art, but this exhibition felt pretentious and inaccessible. It was a waste of my time and I left feeling frustrated and disappointed. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone."
3. Mike - 2/5 stars - "While I appreciate the attempt at incorporating surrealism and enchanting spells into modernity, this exhibition fell short for me. The artwork lacked coherence and seemed more like a random collection of pieces rather than a thoughtfully curated display. The enchanting spells aspect didn't add anything substantial to the overall theme and felt like an unnecessary gimmick. While there were a few interesting pieces, they were few and far between. I left feeling underwhelmed and wishing for a more cohesive and engaging experience."
4. Emily - 3/5 stars - "I had mixed feelings about "Surrealism and enchanting spells captivated modernity". On one hand, I appreciated the boldness and experimentation of the artwork. There were definitely some pieces that caught my attention and made me think. However, I also found the overall exhibition to be a bit too disjointed for my liking. The transition between different styles and themes felt abrupt and didn't flow naturally. Additionally, I found the use of enchanting spells to be confusing and out of place. While it had potential, it didn't quite live up to my expectations."