Second Surrealist Manifesto

Definition

The Second Surrealist Manifesto, published in 1929 by André Breton, is a critical text that outlines the evolving principles of Surrealism, emphasizing the movement's commitment to freedom of thought and expression. In this manifesto, Breton calls for a deeper exploration of the unconscious and the importance of dreams in art, while also addressing the political implications of Surrealism and its potential to challenge societal norms. The manifesto represents a significant shift in the movement, as it reaffirms the role of surrealist artists in confronting reality and pushing boundaries.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Second Surrealist Manifesto was written during a time when surrealism was gaining momentum and solidifying its place within the modern art movement.
2. Breton's manifesto promotes the idea that Surrealism should not only be an artistic movement but also a revolutionary force that confronts societal constraints.
3. In this manifesto, Breton expresses a desire to reject conventional logic and encourage artists to embrace irrationality and chaos in their work.
4. The text also emphasizes the significance of collective creation, suggesting that surrealist artists should collaborate to produce works that reflect shared dreams and unconscious experiences.
5. The Second Surrealist Manifesto laid the groundwork for future surrealist practices, encouraging experimentation with new forms and ideas that would further develop the movement.

Review Questions

• How does the Second Surrealist Manifesto reflect André Breton's views on the role of dreams and the unconscious in artistic expression?
  • The Second Surrealist Manifesto highlights André Breton's belief that dreams and the unconscious are essential sources of inspiration for artists. He argues that by tapping into these realms, artists can access deeper truths and challenge conventional forms of expression. Breton emphasizes the need for creative freedom, encouraging artists to explore irrationality and chaos to reveal new dimensions of reality.
• In what ways does the Second Surrealist Manifesto connect art with political activism during its time?
  • Breton's Second Surrealist Manifesto establishes a strong link between art and political activism by asserting that Surrealism must confront societal norms and restrictions. He advocates for an art form that is not merely aesthetic but also revolutionary, capable of questioning authority and inspiring change. This manifesto encourages surrealists to view their work as a means of social critique, reinforcing the idea that artistic expression can be a powerful tool for political engagement.
• Evaluate how the principles laid out in the Second Surrealist Manifesto influenced later developments in both surrealist art and literature.
  • The principles outlined in the Second Surrealist Manifesto significantly influenced subsequent developments in surrealist art and literature by promoting a collective approach to creativity that embraced unpredictability and spontaneity. As surrealists took these ideas to heart, they began experimenting with new techniques such as automatic writing and collaborative projects. The focus on dreams and unconscious thoughts also paved the way for later avant-garde movements, reinforcing surrealism's legacy as a catalyst for innovation in artistic expression and narrative structure.

Related terms

André Breton: A French writer and poet, André Breton is considered the founder of Surrealism and played a crucial role in defining its ideology through his manifestos and writings.

Automatic Writing: A technique used by surrealists to access the unconscious mind by writing without conscious control, allowing spontaneous thoughts and images to emerge on the page.

Surrealism: An artistic and literary movement that seeks to unlock the creative potential of the unconscious mind, often through bizarre juxtapositions and dream-like imagery.