Surrealism: 50 Works of Art You Should Know

by Brad Finger

This accessible book on the Surrealist movement features paintings, drawings, sculptures, photography, film stills, and architecture, displaying the enormous breadth and variety of Surrealism. The Surrealist movement that developed in Europe following the devastation of World War I swept energetically through all kinds of media as artists found expression in an imaginative pictorial language. This introduction to Surrealism shows 50 unique artworks that have lost nothing of their irresistible attraction to this day. Each work is featured on a beautifully illustrated spread. An informative text highlights each work's classic characteristics, its unusual aspects, and its significance in the Surrealist movement. Including brief biographies of the artists, this book is a beautifully illustrated primer to Surrealism.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction

144 pages, Paperback

First published September 25, 2013

Reviews

[H (trying to keep up with GR friends) Balikov · Rating 2 out of 5]

This almost conventional sized art book is billed as “accessible.” I was on alert to what extent the insights would be homogenized and thus lose some of their value. The format is straight-forward. The choices are arranged, generally, in the order they were created. Each object is given a full page and across from it is some description of the work and the artist. At the back of the book, biographical material is included on each one including (please pardon my English keyboard): de Chirico, Duchamp, Miro, Arp, Ray, Bunuel, Dali, Giacometti, Bellmer, Ernst, Kahlo, Magritte, and Gehry.

The book spans a wider period than what is conventionally thought of as the domain of The Surrealists. While helpful in a “survey course,” this book will not take the reader much beyond. I had my own personal fantasy while holding it on my lap: What if, instead of a book, I had some VR equipment and I was able to “walk into and around” each creation? Then the text might have come alive and the experience would have been worthy of a much higher rating.
2.5*

[Am Y · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good enough explanation of what surrealism is and how it came about, as well as some of the leading surrealist artists back when the movement was in its heyday. The 50 works include movies and photography too, which I was not expecting to see. I was surprised that the only Dali painting featured was The Persistence of Memory.

[Samuel Valentino · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, more than any other, really explained what Surrealism was all about to me. I always wondered how Miro, for example, could be considered a Surrealist, since his work seemed more abstract to me. But seeing the variety of Surrealist expression, along with the textual explanation, was very eye-opening. As a fan of Surrealist art, I'm glad I came across this book!

[Steppikenka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend to people who may not be as familiar whit the topic, or is looking for a bit of education on the subject.

Truly a great composition of surrealism, including photography, painting, sculptures, exhibits...
As a huge surrealism lover this book was a great overview of this art form.

[Rees Fleming · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read very little but do have some photos of surrealism on my computer,

Read into Kafka if interested;

Kafka on the Shore is a metaphor. It follows no rules, it doesn’t adhere to reason, and applicability is not an issue. It fills you up, it tears you down. A fugue of emotions is present, you can’t seem to figure out which of the many different realizations flooding you is most important.

When you are in this mood try reading the Modernism Book that I have reviewed on my timeline, Just a personal thing.

[Eleanor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good overview of key works of surrealism

[Mia Teodocio · Rating 5 out of 5]

comprehensive, entertaining, and perfect for beginners.

[Benjamin Kahn · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting book. A good overview of surrealism. Some works I knew, but the majority were new to me. Definitely a good introduction to this art movement.

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was only familiar with around five of the 50 works listed in this book, so I'm glad that I picked it up after viewing the Magritte exhibit and touring the Modern Wing at the Chicago Art Institute. The book provided a quick overview of surrealism, but I wanted a more in-depth, contextualized treatment of the subject.

[Chloe Tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great overview of the Surrealist artists with some key pieces that shaped and conveyed the ideals and values of this movement. Highly recommend if you're interested in learning more about this subject.