What is surrealism?

Surrealism is a cultural movement that began in the early 1920s, and is best known for the visual artworks and writings of the group members.

Surrealist works feature the element of surprise, unexpected juxtapositions and non sequitur; however, many Surrealist artists and writers regard their work as an expression of the philosophical movement first and foremost, with the works being an artifact.

The movement grew out of Dadaism and was also a reaction against the establishment, including established literary and artistic styles. Surrealist writers such as Andre Breton deliberately avoided the lengthy descriptions beloved of realist writers.

You guys are describing the history of “surrealism” more than what it actually is. Isn’t it pretty much a style where you use a lot of impractical symbols and make them mean something?

I guess if you’re writing a report it’s better to know about the history, but if you’re trying to learn the style of poetry I think you’d need to find a bunch of it and study it.

Using simple but abstract symbols and imagery to convey the piece’s intent and meaning, which is hardly ever directly referenced or described, in itself.

Q: How many surrealists does it take to screw in a lightbulb?

A: Dove.

This is cool. A surrealist poem generator!

The truth in a distorted disarming fashion, in order for reality to be seen. For what it really is.

Like Fluther.

Savador Dali

Also explored by the Beetles and so on musically and by Monty Python Comedically.

Orange.