In 1924, a group of Paris-based poets launched Surrealism, an interdisciplinary movement that prompted adherents to look anew at the world around them. Surrealists turned to dreams, chance, and the unconscious for artistic inspiration. This revolutionary movement quickly spread internationally, and artists, writers, and thinkers adapted its ideas to their specific contexts. Learn more about Surrealism, especially its broad appeal and longevity, which was due in part to its refusal to adhere to a single visual style. Explore the range of techniques and vocabularies—from abstract to dreamlike—Surrealist artists used to visualize hidden or repressed meanings and desires and reveal the unexpected in the everyday.
Claire Howard, Hansjörg Wyss Curator of Modern Art, Department of Contemporary Art, MFA
Wednesday, March 4, 2026