In the wake of World War I’s ravaging of Europe, artists delved into the unconscious mind to confront and grapple with this reality. Poet and critic André Breton, a leader of the Surrealist movement who authored the 1924 Surrealist Manifesto, called this approach “a violent reaction against the impoverishment and sterility of thought processes that resulted from centuries of rationalism.” Surrealist art emerged in the 1920s with dreamlike and uncanny imagery guided by a variety of techniques such as automatic drawing, which can be likened to a stream of consciousness, to channel psychological experiences.
Although Surrealism was a groundbreaking approach for European art, its practitioners were inspired by Indigenous art and ancient mysticism for reenvisioning how sculptures, paintings, prints, performance art and more could respond to the unsettled world around them.
Surrealist artists were also informed by the Dada movement, which originated in 1916 Zurich and embraced absurdity over the logic that had propelled modernity into violence. Some of the Surrealists had witnessed this firsthand, such as Max Ernst, who served in the trenches during World War I, and Salvador Dalí, whose otherworldly paintings and other work responded to the dawning civil war in Spain.
Other key artists associated with the revolutionary art and literary movement included Man Ray, Joan Miró, René Magritte, Yves Tanguy, Frida Kahlo and Meret Oppenheim, all of whom had a distinct perspective on reimagining reality and freeing the unconscious mind from the conventions and restrictions of rational thought. Pablo Picasso showed some of his works in “La Peinture Surréaliste” — the first collective exhibition of Surrealist painting — which opened at Paris’s Galerie Pierre in November of 1925. (Although Magritte is best known as one of the visual Surrealist movement’s most talented practitioners, his famous 1943 painting, The Fifth Season, can be interpreted as a formal break from Surrealism.)
The outbreak of World War II led many in the movement to flee Europe for the Americas, further spreading Surrealism abroad. Generations of modern and contemporary artists were subsequently influenced by the richly symbolic and unearthly imagery of Surrealism, from Joseph Cornell to Arshile Gorky.
Find a collection of original Surrealist paintings, sculptures, prints and multiples and more art on 1stDibs.
$2,400Sale Price|20% Off
"Cream” Photography 36" x 28" inch Edition of 24 by Brian Ziff
By Brian Ziff
Located in Culver City, CA
“Cream” Photography 36" x 28" inch Edition of 24 by Brian Ziff Giclee (Archival Ink) Print on Canson Platine Fibre Rag Signed and numbered by the artist Comes with COA issued by th...
Archival Ink, Rag Paper, Giclée
Cypress Swamp
Located in Denton, TX
Edition of 25 Signed, titled, dated and numbered in pencil on print verso. Paper size: 17 x 22 in., Image size: 16 x 20 in. Series: Ghostland Keith Carter is an American photographe...
Archival Pigment
"Swimming Suit 3" Photography 24" x 24" in Edition 1/15 by Olha Stepanian
Located in Culver City, CA
"Swimming Suit 3" Photography 24" x 24" in Edition 1/15 by Olha Stepanian Printed on Epson Professional Paper Signed and numbered by the artist Comes with COA issued by the artist ...
Photographic Paper
$2,250
"Censored" Black & White Photography 39" x 31" in Edition of 3 by Olha Stepanian
Located in Culver City, CA
"Censored" Black & White Photography 39" x 31" in Edition of 3 by Olha Stepanian Printed on Epson Professional Paper Signed and numbered by the artist Comes with COA issued by t...
Photographic Paper
$1,400
"Real 3" Black & White Photography 24" x 24" in Edition 1/15 by Olha Stepanian
Located in Culver City, CA
"Real 3" Black & White Photography 24" x 24" in Edition 1/15 by Olha Stepanian Printed on Epson Professional Paper Signed and numbered by the artist Comes with COA issued by th...
Photographic Paper
$2,010Sale Price|33% Off
“Emergence 3” Photography 24" x 36" inch Edition 1/7 by Brian Ziff
By Brian Ziff
Located in Culver City, CA
“Emergence 3” Photography 24" x 36" inch Edition 1/7 by Brian Ziff Giclee (Archival Ink) Print on Canson Platine Fibre Rag Signed and numbered by the artist Comes with COA signed b...
Archival Ink, Rag Paper, Giclée
$2,250
"Moon Birth 2" Black & White Photography 39" x 39" in Ed. of 3 by Olha Stepanian
Located in Culver City, CA
"Moon Birth 2" Black & White Photography 39" x 39" in Ed. of 3 by Olha Stepanian Printed on Epson Professional Paper Signed and numbered by the artist Comes with COA issued by ...
Photographic Paper
$1,850
"Modern Traditions 1" Photography 31" x 31" inch Edition of 7 by Olha Stepanian
Located in Culver City, CA
"Modern Traditions 1" Photography 31" x 31" inch Edition of 7 by Olha Stepanian Printed on Epson Professional Paper Signed and numbered by the artist Comes with COA issued by the ar...
Photographic Paper
$1,800
"Shot 2" Black & White Photography 31" x 31" in Edition 1/7 by Olha Stepanian
Located in Culver City, CA
"Shot 2" Black & White Photography 31" x 31" in Edition 1/7 by Olha Stepanian Printed on Epson Professional Paper Signed and numbered by the artist Comes with COA issues by the...
Photographic Paper
"Moon Birth 2" Photography 16" x 16" in Edition of 24 by Olha Stepanian
Located in Culver City, CA
"Moon Birth 2" Photography 16" x 16" in Edition of 24 by Olha Stepanian Printed on Epson Professional Paper Signed and numbered by the artist Comes with COA issued by the artist No...
Photographic Paper
Vintage Silver Gelatin Photograph Surrealist Doll Art Photo, Jazz Photographer
By JoAnn Krivin
Located in Surfside, FL
These were from a show of her work. Influenced by Surrealism and Dada Photographs these are images of old children's dolls in various states of decay. These bear the influence of Ha...
Silver Gelatin
Vintage Silver Gelatin Photograph Surrealist Doll Art Photo, Jazz Photographer
By JoAnn Krivin
Located in Surfside, FL
These were from a show of her work. Influenced by Surrealism and Dada Photographs these are images of old children's dolls in various states of decay. These bear the influence of Ha...
Silver Gelatin
$1,350
"Swimming Suit" Figurative Photography 24" x 24" in Ed. 1/15 by Olha Stepanian
Located in Culver City, CA
"Swimming Suit" Figurative Photography 24" x 24" in Ed. 1/15 by Olha Stepanian Printed on Epson Professional Paper Signed and numbered by the artist Comes with COA issued by the ar...
Photographic Paper
$1,750
"Heaven's Creation 1" Photography 24" x 35.5" in Ed. 1/7 by Olha Stepanian
Located in Culver City, CA
"Heaven's Creation 1" Photography 24" x 35.5" in Ed. 1/7 by Olha Stepanian Printed on Epson Professional Paper Signed and numbered by the artist Comes with COA issued by the artist...
Photographic Paper
$1,350
"Invisibility Hat" Photography 24" x 24" in Edition of 15 by Olha Stepanian
Located in Culver City, CA
"Invisibility Hat" Photography 24" x 24" in Edition of 15 by Olha Stepanian Printed on Epson Professional Paper Signed and numbered by the artist Comes with COA issued by the artis...
Photographic Paper
$1,800
"Real 2" Black & White Photography 31" x 31" in Edition 1/7 by Olha Stepanian
Located in Culver City, CA
"Real 2" Black & White Photography 31" x 31" in Edition 1/7 by Olha Stepanian Printed on Epson Professional Paper Signed and numbered by the artist Comes with COA issued by the ...
Photographic Paper
$2,250
"Invisibility Hat" Black & White Photography 39x39 in Ed. 2/3 by Olha Stepanian
Located in Culver City, CA
"Invisibility Hat" Black & White Photography 39x39 in Ed. 2/3 by Olha Stepanian Printed on Epson Professional Paper Signed and numbered by the artist Comes with COA issued by t...
Photographic Paper
$1,350
"Stardust" Black & White Photography 24" x 30" in Ed. of 15 by Olha Stepanian
Located in Culver City, CA
"Stardust" Black & White Photography 24" x 30" in Ed. of 15 by Olha Stepanian Printed on Epson Professional Paper Signed and numbered by the artist Comes with COA issued by the...
Photographic Paper
Vintage Silver Gelatin Photograph Surrealist Doll Art Photo, Jazz Photographer
By JoAnn Krivin
Located in Surfside, FL
These were from a show of her work. Influenced by Surrealism and Dada Photographs these are images of old children's dolls in various states of decay. These bear the influence of Ha...
Silver Gelatin
Vintage Silver Gelatin Photograph Surrealist Doll Art Photo, Jazz Photographer
By JoAnn Krivin
Located in Surfside, FL
These were from a show of her work. Influenced by Surrealism and Dada Photographs these are images of old children's dolls in various states of decay. These bear the influence of Ha...
Silver Gelatin
$1,900
"Moon Birth" Black & White Photography 31" x 31" in Ed. 4/7 by Olha Stepanian
Located in Culver City, CA
"Moon Birth" Black & White Photography 31" x 31" in Ed. 4/7 by Olha Stepanian Printed on Epson Professional Paper Signed and numbered by the artist Comes with COA issued by the ...
Photographic Paper
$1,750
"Geometry" Black & White Photography 31" x 31" in Edition of 7 by Olha Stepanian
Located in Culver City, CA
"Geometry" Black & White Photography 31" x 31" in Edition of 7 by Olha Stepanian Printed on Epson Professional Paper Signed and numbered by the artist Comes with COA issued by ...
Photographic Paper
“Innerbloom” Photography 24" x 24" inch Edition of 24 by Brian Ziff
By Brian Ziff
Located in Culver City, CA
“Innerbloom” Photography 24" x 24" inch Edition of 24 by Brian Ziff Giclee (Archival Ink) Print on Canson Platine Fibre Rag Signed and numbered by the artist Comes with COA signed ...
Archival Ink, Rag Paper, Giclée
$2,250
"Modern Traditions 1" Photography 39" x 39" inch Edition of 3 by Olha Stepanian
Located in Culver City, CA
"Modern Traditions 1" Photography 39" x 39" inch Edition of 3 by Olha Stepanian Printed on Epson Professional Paper Signed and numbered by the artist Comes with COA issued by the ar...
Photographic Paper
$2,250
"Black Moon" Figurative Photography 39" x 39" in Edition of 3 by Olha Stepanian
Located in Culver City, CA
"Black Moon" Figurative Photography 39" x 39" in Edition of 3 by Olha Stepanian Printed on Epson Professional Paper Signed and numbered by the artist Comes with COA issued by the ar...
Photographic Paper
![Salvador Dali's Party, Estate Edition Photograph [Surrealist Dinner, Green+Red]](https://a.1stdibscdn.com/slim-aarons-1916-2006-american-photography-salvador-dalis-party-estate-edition-photograph-surrealist-dinner-greenred-for-sale/a_148/a_83043621623787820937/UndercurrentAARONSDalisParty_l.jpeg?width=240)
![Salvador Dali's Party, Estate Edition Photograph [Surrealist Dinner, Green+Red]](https://a.1stdibscdn.com/slim-aarons-1916-2006-american-photography-salvador-dalis-party-estate-edition-photograph-surrealist-dinner-greenred-for-sale-picture-2/a_148/a_83043621623787821232/1_Undercurrent_Aarons_Stamp_master.jpg?width=240)
$5,400
Salvador Dali's Party, Estate Edition Photograph [Surrealist Dinner, Green+Red]
By Slim Aarons
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1959: Surrealist painter Salvador Dali (1904 - 1989) with a red-haired woman in a green dress at a vintage ball in New York. The artist is captured with his characteristic walking st...
Lambda
Sven Barth
By Ryan Schude
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Photograph, C-Print. Edition of 10 plus 2 AP.
C Print
$1,800Sale Price|20% Off
“Morning Dew” Portrait Photography 24" x 24" inch Edition of 24 by Brian Ziff
By Brian Ziff
Located in Culver City, CA
“Morning Dew” Portrait Photography 24" x 24" inch Edition of 24 by Brian Ziff Signed and numbered by the artist Comes with COA issued by the artist Giclee (Archival Ink) Print on Ca...
Archival Ink, Rag Paper, Giclée
$3,000
“Bait and Tackle 1” (FRAMED) Photography 24 x 36 in Edition of 1/7 by Brian Ziff
By Brian Ziff
Located in Culver City, CA
“Bait and Tackle 1” (FRAMED) Photography 24 x 36 in Edition of 1/7 by Brian Ziff Giclee (Archival Ink) Print on Canson Platine Fibre Rag Signed and numbered by the artist Comes with...
Archival Ink, Rag Paper, Giclée
"Lily 1" Photography 24" x 24" inch Edition 1/15 by Olha Stepanian
Located in Culver City, CA
"Lily 1" Photography 24" x 24" inch Edition 1/15 by Olha Stepanian Printed on Epson Professional Paper Signed and numbered by the artist Comes with COA issued by the artist Not fra...
Photographic Paper
$1,800Sale Price|20% Off
“Sweet Surrender” Photography 24" x 24" inch Edition of 24 by Brian Ziff
By Brian Ziff
Located in Culver City, CA
“Sweet Surrender” Photography 24" x 24" inch Edition of 24 by Brian Ziff Signed and numbered by the artist Comes with COA issued by the artist Giclee (Archival Ink) Print on Canson...
Archival Ink, Rag Paper, Giclée
$2,400Sale Price|20% Off
Brian Ziff “O, Rose” (FRAMED) Photography 40" x 40"in Edition of 5 by Brian Ziff
By Brian Ziff
Located in Culver City, CA
Brian Ziff “O, Rose” (FRAMED) Photography 40" x 40"in Edition of 5 by Brian Ziff “O, Rose” (2016) Limited edition of 5 produced using Giclee (Archival Ink) Print on Canson Platine F...
Archival Ink, Rag Paper, Giclée
“Nectar” Surreal Photography 24" x 24" inch Edition of 24 by Brian Ziff
By Brian Ziff
Located in Culver City, CA
“Nectar” Surreal Photography 24" x 24" inch Edition of 24 by Brian Ziff Giclee (Archival Ink) Print on Canson Platine Fibre Rag Signed and numbered by the artist Comes with COA signed by the artist From "Unbearable Lightness...
Archival Ink, Rag Paper, Giclée
Saddle-Billed Storks
By Cheryl Medow
Located in Denton, TX
Edition of 10 Signed and numbered in pencil, and blind stamp on print margin Signed, titled, dated, and print type in pencil on print verso. Paper size: 21 x 24 in., Image size: 16 x...
Archival Pigment
"The Obscenely Wealthy" Photography 36" x 24" inch Edition of 5 by Alina Karo
By Alina Karo
Located in Culver City, CA
"The Obscenely Wealthy" Photography 36" x 24" inch Edition of 5 by Alina Karo "The Obscenely Wealthy" From 7 Deadly Sins series by Alina Karo Aluminum...
Metal
$1,800Sale Price|20% Off
“Wasted Youth” Portrait Photography 24" x 24" inch Edition of 24 by Brian Ziff
By Brian Ziff
Located in Culver City, CA
“Wasted Youth” Portrait Photography 24" x 24" inch Edition of 24 by Brian Ziff Signed and numbered by the artist Comes with COA issued by the artist Giclee (Archival Ink) Print on C...
Archival Ink, Rag Paper, Giclée
$1,350
"No Time" Black & White Photography 24" x 24" in Edition of 15 by Olha Stepanian
Located in Culver City, CA
"No Time" Black & White Photography 24" x 24" in Edition of 15 by Olha Stepanian Printed on Epson Professional Paper Signed and numbered by the artist Comes with COA issued by ...
Photographic Paper
Kori Bustard And Zebras - Color Photograph, Woman Artist, Bird, Landscape
By Cheryl Medow
Located in Denton, TX
Edition of 10 Signed and numbered in pencil, and blind stamp on print margin by Cheryl Medow Signed, titled, dated, and print type in pencil on print verso by Cheryl Medow Paper size...
Archival Pigment
Another Door Opens, Surrealist Photo by Michael DeCamp
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Michael DeCamp, American (1928 - 2013) Title: Another Door Opens Year: circa 1975 Medium: Color Photograph, signed and numbered in pencil Edition: 50 Image Size: 15.5 x 23.5 ...
Photographic Film, Photographic Paper
"Rigid" Photography 36" x 24" inch Edition of 5 by Alina Karo
By Alina Karo
Located in Culver City, CA
"Rigid" Photography 36" x 24" inch Edition of 5 by Alina Karo "Rigid" From 7 Deadly Sins series by Alina Karo Aluminum 36” x 24” Edition 1/5 Comes ...
Metal
Broken Shell Beach
By Teri Brudnak
Located in Boston, MA
Additional sizes and pricing available upon request. Artist commentary: There is an incredible world that exists at the tide line. This piece recalls the mix of broken shells, sea weeds and tiny organisms that wash up...
Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
$510
A Surreal Photographic Print, "Yellowstone National Park/Bahia de los Angeles/"
Located in San Diego, CA
A one of a kind 12" x 9" Surreal Photographic Print executed by artist Annalise Neil. A certificate of authenticity will be provided upon its purchase or delivery. Neil’s cyanotype ...
Photographic Paper
A Conceptually Alternative Cyanotype, "Emptiness is Form 6"
Located in San Diego, CA
A 17" diameter Conceptually Alternative Processed Cyanotype on Hahnemuhle Sumi-E Paper executed by artist Annalise Neil. A certificate of authenticity will be provided upon its purch...
Photographic Film
A Bleach Toned Traditional Watercolor Cyanotype, "Palimpsest"
Located in San Diego, CA
A one of a kind 12x24 Bleach Toned Traditional Watercolor Cyanotype on Hahnemuhle Sumi-E Paper. A certificate of authenticity will be provided upon its purchase or delivery. Neil’s ...
Photographic Film, Watercolor
A Surreal Photographic Paper Print Mounted on Wood Panel, "Dovetail"
Located in San Diego, CA
A 17.25" x 9.25" Surreal Photographic Paper Print Mounted on Wood Panel by artist Annalise Neil. A certificate of authenticity will be provided upon its purchase or delivery. ******...
Photographic Paper
A Toned, Bleached and Traditional Watercolor Cyanotype, "Indexical"
Located in San Diego, CA
A 13" x 17" Toned, Bleached and Traditional Watercolor Cyanotype with Pine Needles and Cotton Thread on Canson Montval 300g Paper Mounted on Wood Panel by artist Annalise Neil. A cer...
Photographic Paper
"Home", Surrealist Photograph, Framed Archival Pigment Print, 2010-
Located in San Diego, CA
This is a limited edition photographic surreal print by San Diego artist, Michal Greenboim titled, "Home". It is framed in a black frame. Its dimensions ...
Archival Pigment
Surreal Blue Landscape - Photo Magazine Cover
Located in Miami, FL
Mitchell Funk is a pioneer of acutely dramatic, weird Sci-Fi landscapes defined by unnatural, bold colors set against surrealist vistas. Many of these landscapes were widely publish...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
$2,250
"No Time" Black & White Photography 39" x 39" in Edition 1/3 by Olha Stepanian
Located in Culver City, CA
"No Time" Black & White Photography 39" x 39" in Edition 1/3 by Olha Stepanian Printed on Epson Professional Paper Signed and numbered by the artist Comes with COA issued by th...
Photographic Paper
Airplane in Surreal Sky
Located in Miami, FL
Surreal Photography in the Sky - Mitchell Funk brings the compositional precision of studio photography to street photography. Unlike most street p...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
$314
Rosemary Ellis Power Station Gelatin Silver Photograph for book Pipes and Wires
Located in London, GB
One from a series of photographs we have listed, to see the others scroll down to 'More from this seller' and click on 'View all from seller' and then search. Rosemary Ellis Power S...
Silver Gelatin
$314
Rosemary Ellis Pipes Gelatin Silver Photograph Proof Print for published book
Located in London, GB
We acquired a series of photographs from Rosemary Ellis's studio. To find more from this series scroll down to "More from this Seller" and below it click on "See all from this Seller...
Silver Gelatin
$314
Rosemary Ellis Dam III Gelatin Silver Photograph Proof Print for Bodley Head
Located in London, GB
We acquired a series of photographs from Rosemary Ellis's studio. To find more from this series scroll down to "More from this Seller" and below it click on "See all from this Seller...
Silver Gelatin
$314
Rosemary Ellis Pipes IV Gelatin Silver Photograph Proof Print published in book
Located in London, GB
We acquired a series of photographs from Rosemary Ellis's studio. To find more from this series scroll down to "More from this Seller" and below it click on "See all from this Seller...
Silver Gelatin
Rosemary Ellis Dam IV Gelatin Silver Photograph Print for book: Pipes and Wires
Located in London, GB
We acquired a series of photographs from Rosemary Ellis's studio. To find more from this series scroll down to "More from this Seller" and below it click on "See all from this Seller...
Silver Gelatin
$314
Rosemary Ellis Pool Gelatin Silver Photograph Print for book: Pipes and Wires
Located in London, GB
We acquired a series of photographs from Rosemary Ellis's studio. To find more from this series scroll down to "More from this Seller" and below it click on "See all from this Seller...
Silver Gelatin
Rosemary Ellis Pool II Gelatin Silver Photograph Print proof for book
Located in London, GB
We acquired a series of photographs from Rosemary Ellis's studio. To find more from this series scroll down to "More from this Seller" and below it click on "See all from this Seller...
Silver Gelatin
$314
Rosemary Ellis Dam Gelatin Silver Print Photograph for the book:Pipes and Wires
Located in London, GB
We acquired a series of photographs from Rosemary Ellis's studio. To find more from this series scroll down to "More from this Seller" and below it click on "See all from this Seller...
Silver Gelatin
$314
Rosemary Ellis Dam (detail) Gelatin Silver Photograph Print mid century modern
Located in London, GB
We acquired a series of photographs from Rosemary Ellis's studio. To find more from this series scroll down to "More from this Seller" and below it click on "See all from this Seller...
Silver Gelatin
$314
Rosemary Ellis Dam V Gelatin Silver Photograph Print for book: Pipes and Wires
Located in London, GB
We acquired a series of photographs from Rosemary Ellis's studio. To find more from this series scroll down to "More from this Seller" and below it click on "See all from this Seller...
Silver Gelatin