Surrealist Photography for Sale

A term invented by Guillaume Apollinaire, Surrealism is a movement across all artistic domains: painting, literature, photography...

After the First World War, drastic changes took place in the art world. Disappointed by the way in which society was evolving, artists started to rebel. They broke free from the strict aesthetic rules of the past and moved further and further away from realistic representation. 

Among the reactionary groups of intellectuals are the Surrealists led by the charismatic André Breton, alongside Paul Éluard and Louis Aragon, to name but a few.

In collaboration with Breton, Max Ernst theorised a unique new way of thinking to describe the Surrealists in their manifesto. The idea consisted of exploiting the unconscious and making it a reality. In this way, the concept of dreams became a key aspect of the movement, as seen in the works of Salvador Dalí.

Surreal photography dates back to this 1924 manifesto. However, the Surrealists agree that the invention of the photographic process is in itself surreal. Indeed, capturing a fleeting moment seems like an impossibility. 

Recurring themes such as the female form, nudity and material objects are all prevalent in this genre of photography, having passed from written to visual form. 

The mirror is a major motif of Surrealism, it symbolises a portal to another dimension. In order to achieve social revolution, one must cross the mirror and go to the other side to uncover the secrets of an imaginary world. 

Above all, Surrealism is an exchange, the debate of ideas. For this reason, some photographers from outside the core group contributed to the theoretical debate, such as Bayer and Brassaï. But whilst they share the same values, shooting techniques often differ.

Take for example the 'brulage' or burning technique of Raoul Ubac and David Hare, whose images achieve their final effect after subjection to heat. Meanwhile, Man Ray used solarisation in the process of his nude photography, such as Primat de la matière sur la pensée in 1929. The effect of the veil around the subject is achieved through overexposure which causes a reversal of tone.

Although those artists may have been at the height of popularity in the movement, Surreal photography takes on a whole new direction thanks to the digital era, in which there are no limits on creativity. Allow Artsper to introduce you to their worthy heirs.

Formerly Helmut Newton's assistant, Alain Longeaud's poetic silver images transport us to the likes of a petrol station in space or the roof of a cathedral. 

Another modern Surrealist, Denis Darzacq, works in urban environments, showing people levitating in ordinary settings such as supermarkets. 

Similar to the surreal black and white photographs of the early 20th century, Dominic Rouse dismembers his subjects (often naked women) and portrays them in astonishing situations. It's all about context.

In a very different style, Philippe Ramette produces Surreal works that defy the laws of physics. His models walk on walls and explore the ocean floor as casually as they would be walking down the street.

Discover the art of Surrealist photography through the shots of well-known and emerging artists that will change your view of the world.