surrealism meaning: definition, etymology

surrealism

noun

UK /səˈɹiː(.ə)l.ɪz.əm/

Etymology Borrowed from French surréalisme. By surface analysis, sur- + realism or surreal + -ism.

Art, Arts An artistic movement and an aesthetic philosophy that aims for the liberation of the mind by emphasizing the critical and imaginative powers of the subconscious.

Art, Arts Informal Art with a surreal aesthetic or narrative, regardless of whether or not it is linked to the surrealist movement.

Derived terms: neosurrealism
Related terms: surreal, surrealist