Why Surrealism Matters

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An elegant consideration of the Surrealist movement as a global phenomenon and why it continues to resonate

Why does Surrealism continue to fascinate us a century after Andre Breton's Manifesto of Surrrealism? How do we encounter Surrealism today? Mark Polizzotti vibrantly reframes the Surrealist movement in contemporary terms and offers insight into why it continues to inspire makers and consumers of art, literature, and culture.

Polizzotti shows how many forms of popular media can thank Surrealism for their existence, including Monty Python, Theatre of the Absurd, and trends in fashion, film, and literature. While discussing the movement's iconic figures-including Andre Breton, Leonora Carrington, Salvador Dali, Rene Magritte, Man Ray, and Dorothea Tanning-he also broadens the traditionally French and male-focused narrative, constructing a more diverse and global representation. And he addresses how the Surrealists grappled with ideas that mirror current concerns, including racial and economic injustice, sexual politics, issues of identity, labor unrest, and political activism. Why Surrealism Matters provides a concise, engaging exploration of how, a century later, the "Surrealist revolution" remains as dynamic as ever.

Book details and technical specifications

Format: Hardback
ISBN13: 9780300257090
Published: March 2024

Number of pages: 232
Width: 127 mm
Height: 197 mm
Depth: not specified

Publisher: Yale University Press