Surrealism: Interior Design

Surrealism which essentially deals with dreamy imagery and spaces is inspired by works of psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud, is one of the most influential art movements of the 20th century. The term was first coined in 1917 by the art critic and poet Guillaume Apollinaire, and in 1924 it was used by André Breton to describe a politically radical movement that aimed to change perceptions of the world.

In exploring dreams and the irrational, the Surrealists used ‘automatic’ techniques to draw images from the realm of the unconscious.

During the 1930s Surrealism escaped the bounds of a radical avant-garde art movement and transformed the wider worlds of theatre, design, fashion and advertising. For some, Surrealism’s assimilation into the commercial world was to be celebrated and embraced, while for others it went against the political principles of the movement.

The journey from art movement to commercial phenomenon was not merely a matter of artists and designers outside the movement borrowing Surrealist imagery and techniques. It was also precipitated from within. Surrealism’s thematic preoccupations and visual strategies often lent themselves to commercial appropriation, while Surrealist artists themselves frequently worked as designers.

Surrealism influenced the worlds of fashion, design, theatre, interiors, film, architecture and advertising. The Surrealists explored unique ways of interpreting the world, turning to dreams and the unconscious as inspiration for a new vision. Their innovative thinking challenged convention, changing perceptions of the world in which they lived and transforming the language of art and design. Surrealist imagery and ideas inspired designers. They were absorbed into the worlds of fashion, commercial design, graphics and film and many Surrealist artists were actively engaged with these activities throughout their careers.