6.1 André Breton
9 min read•august 19, 2024
, a French writer and poet, played a pivotal role in the transition from Dada to in the early 1920s. He became the primary theorist and leader of the Surrealist movement, which sought to revolutionize art and thought by tapping into the mind.
Breton's manifestos and writings established the core principles of Surrealist philosophy, emphasizing automatism, , and the exploration of the subconscious. His leadership and ideas profoundly influenced Surrealist artists, shaping the movement's direction and leaving a lasting impact on 20th-century art and literature.
Origins of Surrealism
- Surrealism emerged in the early 1920s as an avant-garde movement that sought to revolutionize art, literature, and thought by tapping into the subconscious mind and challenging conventional notions of reality
- The movement drew inspiration from various sources, including , dream analysis, and the irrational juxtapositions found in Dada art and poetry
- André Breton, a French writer and poet, played a pivotal role in the transition from Dada to Surrealism, eventually becoming the movement's primary theorist and leader
Dada as precursor
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- Dada, an avant-garde movement that emerged during , rejected traditional art forms and embraced irrationality, absurdity, and chance as means of creative expression
- Dada artists and poets, such as and , used techniques like , , and to challenge artistic conventions and bourgeois values
- The Dadaists' emphasis on the subconscious, spontaneity, and the rejection of logic and reason laid the groundwork for the development of Surrealism
Breton's role in Dada
- André Breton initially participated in the Dada movement, attending gatherings and contributing to Dada publications
- He organized Dada events in Paris, such as the "Trial of Maurice Barrès" in 1921, which satirized the nationalist writer and showcased the absurdist tendencies of Dada
- However, Breton grew dissatisfied with Dada's nihilistic approach and sought to develop a more constructive and systematic exploration of the subconscious mind
Transition from Dada to Surrealism
- In 1924, Breton published the first , marking a clear break from Dada and establishing Surrealism as a distinct movement
- Breton's manifesto outlined the key principles of Surrealism, emphasizing the importance of automatism, dream analysis, and the exploration of the subconscious as means of accessing a higher reality
- Many former Dadaists, such as , , and , joined Breton in the Surrealist movement, contributing to its development and expansion in the visual arts
Breton as leader of Surrealism
- As the primary theorist and organizer of the Surrealist movement, André Breton played a central role in defining its philosophy, practices, and direction
- He actively recruited artists and writers to join the movement, organized exhibitions and publications, and acted as a spokesperson for Surrealism in the public sphere
- Breton's leadership style was often authoritarian and dogmatic, leading to conflicts and expulsions of members who deviated from his vision of Surrealism
Breton's manifestos
- Breton wrote several manifestos that served as the theoretical foundation of the Surrealist movement
- The first Surrealist Manifesto (1924) introduced the concept of Surrealism as a means of accessing the subconscious mind and defined the movement's key practices, such as and dream analysis
- Subsequent manifestos, such as the Second Surrealist Manifesto (1929) and the Prolegomena to a Third Surrealist Manifesto or Not (1942), further elaborated on Surrealist philosophy and addressed critiques and challenges to the movement
Defining Surrealist philosophy
- Breton's manifestos and writings established the core principles of Surrealist thought, which centered on the exploration of the subconscious mind as a means of accessing a higher reality
- He drew heavily from Freudian psychoanalysis, emphasizing the importance of dreams, automatic writing, and free association as tools for tapping into the subconscious
- Breton also championed the concept of the "marvelous," a state of heightened awareness and revelation that could be achieved through the juxtaposition of seemingly disparate elements
Breton's influence on Surrealist artists
- Breton's theoretical writings and leadership provided a framework for Surrealist artists to explore the subconscious mind and challenge conventional notions of reality in their work
- He encouraged artists to experiment with techniques such as automatism, collage, and the incorporation of dream imagery in their paintings and sculptures
- Breton also organized Surrealist exhibitions, such as the in London (1936) and the in Paris (1938), which showcased the work of Surrealist artists and helped to popularize the movement
Key concepts in Breton's Surrealism
- Breton's Surrealist philosophy revolved around several key concepts that informed the movement's artistic practices and theoretical underpinnings
- These concepts, drawn from various sources such as psychoanalysis, Marxism, and occultism, aimed to challenge conventional notions of reality and tap into the subconscious mind as a means of personal and social liberation
- Breton's emphasis on the exploration of the subconscious, the embrace of the irrational, and the pursuit of had a profound impact on the development of Surrealist art and literature
Automatism and the unconscious
- Automatism, a technique that involves the spontaneous creation of art or writing without conscious control, was a central practice in Surrealism
- Breton believed that automatism, such as automatic writing or drawing, could bypass the rational mind and directly access the subconscious, revealing hidden desires, fears, and truths
- The use of automatism in Surrealist art and literature aimed to create works that were free from the constraints of logic and reason, allowing for the expression of the artist's innermost thoughts and feelings
Dreams vs reality
- Breton and the Surrealists were fascinated by the world of dreams, seeing them as a gateway to a higher reality that existed beyond the confines of everyday life
- They believed that dreams could provide insights into the subconscious mind and reveal hidden truths about the self and the world
- Surrealist artists often incorporated dream imagery and symbolism into their works, blurring the boundaries between the real and the imagined
Juxtaposition and the marvelous
- Breton championed the concept of the "marvelous," a state of heightened awareness and revelation that could be achieved through the juxtaposition of seemingly disparate elements
- Surrealist artists and writers often used unexpected combinations of images, words, and ideas to create a sense of the marvelous, challenging conventional notions of reality and provoking new ways of seeing and understanding the world
- The juxtaposition of incongruous elements was seen as a means of accessing the subconscious mind and revealing hidden connections and meanings
Desire and liberation
- Breton and the Surrealists viewed the exploration of desire and the pursuit of personal and social liberation as central to their philosophical and artistic project
- They believed that by tapping into the subconscious mind and embracing the irrational, individuals could free themselves from the constraints of bourgeois morality and social conventions
- Surrealist art and literature often explored themes of sexuality, transgression, and the subversion of traditional gender roles as a means of challenging societal norms and promoting individual freedom
Breton's poetry and writings
- In addition to his theoretical writings and manifestos, André Breton was a prolific poet, novelist, and essayist whose works exemplified the principles of Surrealism
- His poetry and prose often incorporated automatic writing, dream imagery, and the juxtaposition of disparate elements to create a sense of the marvelous and challenge conventional notions of reality
- Breton's literary works played a significant role in the development of Surrealist literature and helped to establish him as a leading figure in the avant-garde literary scene of the early 20th century
Major works by Breton
- Some of Breton's most notable works include:
- "" (1920), a collection of automatic writings co-authored with Philippe Soupault
- "" (1928), a semi-autobiographical novel that explores themes of love, madness, and the Surrealist concept of the marvelous
- "" (1937), a collection of essays and poems that delves into the relationship between love, desire, and Surrealist thought
- "" (1945), a poetic and philosophical work that reflects on the aftermath of World War II and the role of Surrealism in the postwar world
Themes in Breton's poetry
- Breton's poetry often explores themes central to Surrealist thought, such as the subconscious mind, desire, and the marvelous
- His poems frequently employ automatic writing techniques, creating vivid and enigmatic imagery that invites multiple interpretations
- Breton's poetry also engages with political and social issues, reflecting his commitment to revolutionary ideals and his belief in the transformative power of art
Breton's novels and essays
- In addition to poetry, Breton wrote several novels and essays that further developed his Surrealist philosophy and explored the intersection of art, literature, and politics
- His novel "Nadja" is considered a landmark of Surrealist literature, blending autobiographical elements with fictional and dreamlike passages to create a unique and enigmatic narrative
- Breton's essays, such as those collected in "The Lost Steps" (1924) and "Communicating Vessels" (1932), delve into various aspects of Surrealist thought, including the relationship between art and politics, the role of the artist in society, and the importance of the marvelous in everyday life
Breton's relationships with artists
- As the leader of the Surrealist movement, André Breton forged close relationships with many artists, fostering collaborations, influencing their work, and shaping the direction of Surrealist art
- He actively sought out and recruited artists to join the Surrealist group, organizing exhibitions and publications that showcased their work and promoted the movement's ideals
- However, Breton's authoritarian leadership style and strict adherence to Surrealist principles also led to conflicts and tensions within the group, resulting in the expulsion of some members who deviated from his vision
Collaborations with Surrealist painters
- Breton collaborated with several prominent Surrealist painters, such as Max Ernst, André Masson, and Joan Miró, on various projects and publications
- He wrote essays and prefaces for catalogs accompanying Surrealist exhibitions, providing theoretical context and interpretation for the artists' works
- Breton also participated in the creation of Surrealist objects and collages, such as the "" game, which involved collaborative drawing or writing exercises that emphasized automatism and chance
Influence on Dalí and Magritte
- Two of the most famous Surrealist painters, Salvador Dalí and René Magritte, were deeply influenced by Breton's ideas and leadership
- Dalí's "paranoid-critical" method, which involved the systematic interpretation of delusions and hallucinations in his art, was inspired by Breton's emphasis on the exploration of the subconscious mind
- Magritte's paintings, known for their enigmatic juxtapositions and challenges to perception, embodied Breton's concept of the marvelous and the Surrealist aim to subvert conventional notions of reality
Conflicts and expulsions from group
- Despite his central role in the Surrealist movement, Breton's dogmatic approach and intolerance for dissent led to conflicts with some artists and the expulsion of others from the group
- In 1938, Breton expelled Salvador Dalí from the Surrealist movement, citing his support for fascism and his commercialization of Surrealist art
- Other artists, such as Max Ernst and André Masson, also faced temporary expulsions or left the group due to disagreements with Breton over political or artistic issues
Legacy of André Breton
- André Breton's contributions as a theorist, poet, and leader of the Surrealist movement had a profound and lasting impact on the development of 20th-century art and literature
- His ideas and writings continue to inspire and influence artists, writers, and thinkers, while his role in shaping Surrealism has cemented his place as one of the most significant figures in the history of avant-garde art
Impact on 20th century art
- Breton's Surrealist philosophy and the artistic practices he championed, such as automatism and the exploration of the subconscious, had a far-reaching influence on various art forms throughout the 20th century
- Surrealist techniques and themes can be seen in the work of numerous artists, from the Abstract Expressionists in the United States to the Neo-Surrealists of the 1960s and 70s
- Breton's ideas also had a significant impact on other avant-garde movements, such as Situationism and Fluxus, which shared Surrealism's emphasis on the subversion of conventional art forms and the blurring of the boundaries between art and life
Breton's role in popularizing Surrealism
- As the primary theorist and spokesperson for the Surrealist movement, Breton played a crucial role in popularizing Surrealism and ensuring its lasting influence
- His manifestos, essays, and public lectures helped to disseminate Surrealist ideas and attract new artists and writers to the movement
- Breton's organization of international Surrealist exhibitions and the publication of Surrealist journals and magazines further contributed to the global reach and impact of the movement
Critiques and reassessments of Breton
- Despite his central role in the development of Surrealism, Breton's leadership and ideas have also been the subject of critiques and reassessments by scholars and artists
- Some have criticized Breton's authoritarian approach and his intolerance for dissent within the Surrealist group, arguing that his strict adherence to Surrealist principles stifled creativity and innovation
- Others have questioned the extent to which Breton's own work embodied the Surrealist ideals he espoused, noting the contradictions between his theoretical writings and his artistic output
- However, despite these critiques, Breton's contributions to the development of Surrealism and his lasting impact on 20th-century art and literature remain widely acknowledged and celebrated
Key Terms to Review (29)
André Breton: André Breton was a French writer and poet, best known as the founder of the Surrealist movement, which sought to unlock the creative potential of the unconscious mind. He believed in the power of dreams and imagination to challenge societal norms and express deeper truths, influencing various artists and writers in the 20th century. His manifestos and writings laid the groundwork for Surrealism, pushing boundaries in both literature and visual arts.
Arcanum 17: Arcanum 17 refers to a key concept in André Breton's surrealist philosophy, which symbolizes the liberation of the unconscious and the exploration of dreams and desires. It is often seen as an emblem of the surrealist movement's aim to challenge conventional perceptions of reality and to promote a deeper understanding of the human psyche through artistic expression.
Automatic writing: Automatic writing is a technique used by artists and writers to produce text without conscious thought, allowing the subconscious mind to express itself freely. This practice is often associated with Surrealism and aims to bypass the rational mind, tapping into deeper psychological layers. It connects closely with ideas of spontaneity, exploration of the unconscious, and the representation of dreams and inner thoughts.
Collage: Collage is an artistic technique that involves assembling different materials such as paper, photographs, fabric, and other objects onto a single surface to create a new, cohesive artwork. This method allows artists to juxtapose disparate elements and challenge traditional notions of representation, leading to innovative expressions of reality and concept.
Dadaism: Dadaism was an avant-garde art movement that emerged in the early 20th century, characterized by its radical rejection of traditional aesthetics and cultural norms. It was a response to the chaos of World War I, emphasizing absurdity, spontaneity, and anti-art sentiments, which influenced various other movements and artists in modern art.
Dream analysis: Dream analysis is a psychological technique used to interpret and find meaning in dreams, often revealing unconscious thoughts, desires, and emotions. This practice explores how dreams can reflect the dreamer's inner conflicts and mental states, providing insights into their waking life and behavior.
Exposition internationale du surréalisme: The exposition internationale du surréalisme was a groundbreaking exhibition held in Paris in 1938, showcasing the work of surrealist artists and writers. This event played a crucial role in defining and promoting surrealism as a major artistic movement, bringing together key figures who explored dreams, the unconscious mind, and the bizarre through their art. The exhibition became a pivotal moment for many artists associated with surrealism, highlighting their innovative techniques and the importance of imagination in creative expression.
Exquisite corpse: The exquisite corpse is a collaborative drawing or collage technique that involves multiple artists creating a single artwork by drawing or adding elements in sequence, without knowledge of what the previous artist has contributed. This playful and spontaneous method encourages surprise and creativity, reflecting the avant-garde spirit of experimentation and the surrealist emphasis on the unconscious mind. The process connects deeply with themes of collective creation and randomness, allowing for unexpected outcomes that challenge traditional notions of authorship.
Freudian Psychoanalysis: Freudian psychoanalysis is a psychological theory and therapeutic method developed by Sigmund Freud, which emphasizes the influence of the unconscious mind on behavior and the importance of early childhood experiences. This approach aims to uncover repressed thoughts and feelings through techniques such as free association and dream analysis, making it particularly relevant in understanding artistic expression and the exploration of the human psyche.
Installations: Installations are three-dimensional works of art that transform a specific space, often involving a combination of various materials, objects, and media to create an immersive experience for the viewer. These works can provoke thought and encourage interaction, pushing the boundaries of traditional art forms by integrating elements like sound, video, and found objects into a cohesive environment.
International Surrealist Exhibition: The International Surrealist Exhibition was a pivotal event in 1936 that showcased the work of surrealist artists and thinkers, aiming to promote surrealism as a revolutionary movement. This exhibition, held in London, was significant for its wide-ranging participation of artists, bringing together a diverse array of works that embodied the principles of surrealism, such as dream imagery and the unconscious mind. The exhibition highlighted the contributions of key figures who helped define surrealism, making it a landmark moment in art history.
Joan Miró: Joan Miró was a Spanish painter, sculptor, and ceramicist known for his vibrant colors and unique style that combined abstract forms with surreal elements. His work is often associated with the Surrealist movement, particularly due to his connections with influential figures like André Breton, and it reflects the ideas of automatism and dream-like imagery, which are prominent themes in the avant-garde art scene.
Mad love: Mad love refers to an intense, passionate, and often irrational form of love that can blur the lines between obsession and genuine affection. This concept is significant in the context of surrealism and is often linked to André Breton's exploration of the unconscious mind, where love can become a powerful driving force that defies logic and societal norms.
Magnetic fields: Magnetic fields are regions around a magnetic material or a moving electric charge within which the force of magnetism acts. They are invisible forces that can influence the behavior of charged particles and affect various artistic expressions and movements, particularly in the context of avant-garde art, which often explores the relationship between science and creativity.
Man Ray: Man Ray was an influential American visual artist and photographer known for his contributions to the Dada and Surrealist movements. He is best recognized for his innovative use of photography, particularly his creation of 'rayographs,' and his collaborations with other prominent artists, including Marcel Duchamp. Man Ray's work challenged traditional notions of art and photography, aligning closely with the ideas of readymades and the avant-garde spirit of experimentation.
Marcel Duchamp: Marcel Duchamp was a French-American artist known for his influential contributions to the Dada and Surrealist movements, particularly through his concept of the readymade. His work challenged traditional notions of art, aesthetics, and creativity, encouraging others to question the very definition of what constitutes art itself.
Max Ernst: Max Ernst was a pioneering German artist known for his innovative techniques and contributions to both the Surrealist and Dada movements. He is recognized for his unique ability to blend dreamlike imagery with abstract forms, significantly influencing modern art and challenging traditional artistic conventions.
Nadja: Nadja is a novel written by André Breton, published in 1928, that is considered a seminal work of Surrealism. The book is both a narrative and a reflection on love, madness, and the search for the extraordinary in everyday life, intertwining reality and fantasy through the author's exploration of his enigmatic muse, Nadja.
Performance art: Performance art is a live artistic expression that combines visual art with dramatic performance, emphasizing the artist's presence and the experience of the audience. This form often challenges traditional boundaries of art by incorporating elements like time, space, and the artist's body, allowing for a more immersive experience. It serves as a platform for exploring social, political, and personal themes.
Photomontage: Photomontage is a technique that combines multiple photographs to create a single image, often to convey complex ideas or critique societal norms. This art form emerged as a powerful tool for avant-garde artists, allowing them to blend reality and imagination, challenge perceptions, and communicate political or social commentary through visual means.
Psychological Automatism: Psychological automatism is a concept that refers to a process where thoughts and actions are expressed without the influence of conscious control, allowing the subconscious mind to take over. This technique was embraced by artists and writers as a means of tapping into deeper layers of creativity, breaking free from societal norms and traditional artistic techniques. It is closely tied to the Surrealist movement, particularly through the works and ideas of key figures who sought to explore the unconscious.
Ready-mades: Ready-mades are everyday objects that are selected and presented as art by an artist, challenging traditional notions of what constitutes art. This concept is closely tied to the ideas of appropriation and recontextualization, where the artist's choice transforms the mundane into something meaningful, often provoking thought and discussion about the nature of art itself.
Subconscious: The subconscious refers to the part of the mind that is not fully aware but influences thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This concept is essential in understanding how hidden desires and experiences shape creative expression, especially in movements like Surrealism where artists aimed to tap into deeper psychological realms and reveal the workings of the mind.
Surrealism: Surrealism is an avant-garde cultural movement that emerged in the early 20th century, emphasizing the exploration of the unconscious mind and the juxtaposition of unexpected elements to challenge rationality. It sought to release creativity from the constraints of logic and convention, often manifesting in dream-like imagery and bizarre scenarios that reveal deeper truths about human experience.
Surrealist manifesto: The surrealist manifesto is a foundational document that outlines the principles and goals of the Surrealist movement, emphasizing the exploration of the unconscious mind, dreams, and irrationality. This manifesto was primarily authored by André Breton, who sought to challenge traditional artistic norms and embrace the freedom of imagination, promoting a revolutionary approach to art and society.
The marvelous: The marvelous refers to the extraordinary, enchanting, and often surreal aspects of reality that can evoke a sense of wonder and fascination. It connects deeply with the imagination, encouraging a departure from the mundane and an embrace of the fantastic. This concept is particularly significant in the realm of surrealism, where the boundary between reality and dreams blurs, allowing for a rich exploration of human experience and emotion.
The uncanny: The uncanny refers to a psychological experience where something familiar is rendered strange or unsettling, often evoking feelings of discomfort or eeriness. This concept plays a significant role in understanding how certain works evoke deep emotional responses, creating a space where the ordinary becomes extraordinary and disturbing. It serves as a bridge between reality and the surreal, highlighting the complexities of human perception.
Tristan Tzara: Tristan Tzara was a Romanian avant-garde poet, essayist, and performance artist who is best known as one of the founders of Dada, an influential art movement that emerged in response to the horrors of World War I. Tzara's work emphasized spontaneity, absurdity, and a rejection of traditional artistic norms, connecting deeply with movements and figures like Raoul Hausmann, André Breton, and the concept of idea-based art.
World War I: World War I was a global conflict that lasted from 1914 to 1918, involving many of the world's great powers and resulting in significant political, social, and cultural upheaval. The war dramatically influenced art movements, particularly in Europe, as artists sought to express their experiences and reactions to the chaos and destruction surrounding them.