Surrealism - Art That Captures The Imagination

The trend in interior design today emphasizes personalized, distinctive spaces that mix different styles, colors and textures to reflect individuality. There is a strong focus on creating fun and unique environments that tell a personal story. This is where Surrealists artworks offer that imaginative touch, allowing for creative expression.

In 1924, the French writer and poet André Breton, published his Surrealist Manifesto defining the movement as “Psychic automatism in its pure state, by which one proposes to express…the actual functioning of thought…in the absence of any control exercised by reason, exempt from any aesthetic or moral concern.”

Artworks from or inspired by this movement have a certain playfulness with dreamlike elements and whimsicality - a freedom to express without control. Incorporating surrealist art into your projects offers those perspectives into your work.

Origins of Surrealism

Credited as the founder of Surrealism, Breton wanted to explore the unconscious mind through dreams and irrational imagery. Key artists in this movement include Salvador Dalí, known for his strange and bizarre works such as The Persistence of Memory; René Magritte, who challenged perceptions with thought-provoking images such as The Son of Man; and Max Ernst, who used unconventional drawing methods.

Like the Dadaists, the Surrealists strongly opposed the oppressive rules of modern society, which they believed were fuelled by rationalism. Believing that the source of artistic creativity came from the unconscious mind, they focused on exploring notions of the irrational and the subconscious as a means of breaking free from the rational order of society.

Surrealism In Modern Interior Design

Surrealist art features unexpected juxtapositions of unrelated objects, distorted perspectives that twist reality, and dreamlike scenes that blend the familiar with the bizarre. These elements can inspire bold design choices such as striking contrasts or unconventional layouts. A surrealist approach to your projects can lead to imaginative and memorable spaces that defy traditional aesthetics and engage viewers in captivating ways.

This approach will very often evoke strong emotional reactions from your viewers. Surrealist art disrupts reality and intentionally distorts the familiar, bringing up emotions such as confusion and awe.

Rich in symbolism and metaphors, surrealist art can resonate with the viewers on a personal level, bringing up themes such as fear or desire. The visual surprise of the works stimulates the imagination and can bring about contradicting and unsettling feelings. This allows designers to create spaces of wonder, curiosity or unease - but making them memorable and impactful at the same time.

In minimalist spaces, Surrealism introduces striking contrasts, while in eclectic environments it presents a more dynamic look. In modern designs, it offers playful twists while in classic settings, it juxtaposes the traditional with the whimsical.

Incorporating Surrealist Artworks Into Your Projects

To incorporate surrealist art into your interior design, you can play with scale by using an oversized sculpture, painting or print and choosing one of those as your focal point. Blend that with an unconventional or unexpected color palette, and you will be able to achieve a dynamic and surprising space.

Lighting also helps with the drama - try using unconventional lighting to enhance the mood or draw attention to the artwork. However, to not overwhelm the space, pair surrealist spaces with more neutral or minimalist surroundings.

Because Surrealist art challenges traditional perspectives, you can use mirrors or unique frames to play with perspectives in your intended space. Don’t be afraid to take creative risks in your choices and let your imagination run wild. It is all about breaking the norm and embracing the fantastical and magical.

Surrealism In Action

For the opening of Jones Lang Lasalle’s new headquarters at the Paya Lebar Quarter, The Artling commissioned a Singaporean artist to create a mural that closely represented the company’s ethos and values. The mural, which stretches over 11 meters, is a stunning focal point of the office - inspired by surrealism with a local touch.

We can learn from designers who work with this genre, particularly Vincent Darré who is known for his extravagant style and dynamic personality. In an interview with Vogue, Darré said, “I create my interiors and my outfits with the same fantasy of not following any rule, being free and doing my job with humor and eccentricity.” He also stresses that he’s unafraid of color or “bad taste.”

As interior designers, you can take a leaf out of Darré’s book and push the boundaries by applying bold color schemes to your own projects. Just like the eccentric designer, you can add humor taken from Surrealism to make happy and playful rooms.

Sourcing For Surrealist Art

Surrealism is a highly versatile genre which is why it continues to influence contemporary artists today, making the works from this category still widely collected. While it may not be possible for everyone to own a masterpiece, you can still own original surrealist artworks from some of the finest contemporary artists globally by sourcing them on The Artling.

The Artling offers a curated selection of surrealist art that reflects our commitment to quality. All our pieces are carefully chosen to showcase the breadth of the versatility of this genre. Here are some surrealist artists whose works will captivate your viewers and elevate your spaces.

Aside from Surrealists pieces, The Artling’s platform features works by emerging and established artists in many other genres. As an interior designer searching for those perfect pieces, you will be able to transform your projects with unique and thought-provoking artworks once you sign up for our platform.

If you need additional assistance or have a specific requirement about finding works of art, you can contact us here. We also specialize in tailored services for interior designers and offer personalized art consultations and bespoke commissions.

More Surrealist Artworks To Consider For Your Projects

Embrace The Unconventional

Surrealist art can dramatically transform the atmosphere in a room and can certainly build character within a space. The ambiguity of surrealist art is what makes it so intriguing. Don’t be afraid to experiment with surrealism in your projects and trust your instincts, push new boundaries and explore new possibilities.

You can access a world of surrealist art that will transform your clients’ projects by signing up for our trade program. As a trade user, you'll be able to access The Artling's extensive inventory, create renderings for clients and manage your projects -all in one easy to use platform. Sign up for the program here.