Surrealist art was part of a profoundly influential modern movement. These famous paintings explored all of the modern mind's recesses, the unconscious and dream-states. For anyone interested in the history of modern artwork and the absurd pictures of Salvador Dali or Joan Miro, the Surrealist movement is the right movement to explore. Artists like Dali are among the most influential in recent art history.

What inspired the strange and macabre paintings of much famous Surrealist art? Many Surrealists were trying to overthrow oppressive social constraints. They tried to release human potential that had been constrained by social custom. This is why their famous 20th century paintings explore the unconscious and it is why so many Surrealist practitioners valued dreams so highly. All 20th century art was influenced by psychology, but none more so than Surrealism.

If the strange, the fantastical, the absurd and the dreamlike fascinate you, consider exploring the Surrealist movement. Its famous themes resonate with anyone who is interested in the fantastical. Their 20th century paintings tried to shock viewers into a new awareness. Surrealists like Dali had profound concerns and they express them powerfully in their paintings. From nightmares to hopeful dreams, you will find an abundance of challenging and moving images in the paintings of Surrealism.

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About The Author:

Barbara Swanson is a successful author and a distinguished freelance writer who specializes in art, music, education and international issues.