Surrealism is one of the most recognisable art movements of the 20th century. Emerging from the cultural disillusionment that followed the war, surrealist artists set out to tap into the subconscious mind and break free from the limits of reason. 

Surrealist works are known for strange, dreamlike imagery that embrace the unexpected, uncanny; asserting the power of one's unconscious imagination. Influenced by Freudian psychoanalysis, the Surrealists often created without a fixed outcome in mind, instead bringing together unlikely images in surprising ways. In their pursuit of the subconscious, they pioneered inventive techniques—including decalcomania, frottage, and automatic drawing—that opened new paths for artistic expression.

As one of the most well-known modernist movements, Surrealist works constitute a notable, and provocative addition to any collector of modern art. Traverse our collection to explore a range of international and Australian responses to Surrealism.