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What are the main differences between surrealist art and other forms of abstract art?

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What are the main differences between surrealist art and other forms of abstract art?

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Doris Leivesley

As an avid art enthusiast, I am happy to share my expertise on the differences between surrealist art and other forms of abstract art. Surrealist art and abstract art belong to completely different movements in the art world, and while they might share some similarities, they vary considerably in their ideals and expression.

Surrealist art was a movement that started in the 1920s and was characterized by an attempt to reconcile the irrational and unconscious with reality. This movement was known for its dreamlike and peculiar imagery, often including distorted and bizarre figures. It sought to portray the workings of the unconscious mind and rejected the strict conventions of realism. In contrast, abstract art is an artistic style that does not represent objects in the natural world. Instead, it uses various forms and color schemes to create a visual language that is different from the recognizable reality.

One of the main differences between surrealism and other forms of abstract art is that surrealist art is usually less concerned with formal abstraction and more preoccupied with symbolism and imagery. Surrealism typically employs recognizable imagery, yet it uses it in a way that deviates from reality, creating a sense of disjointedness and alienation. Abstract art, on the other hand, is entirely free from recognizable imagery, and instead is purely concerned with formal elements such as composition, color and texture. It is more about the relationship of the various visual elements on the canvas than any particular subject matter.

Another difference between the two movements is that surrealist art often has political and social undertones, while abstract art usually doesn't. Surrealism was born out of the disillusionment with society and traditional values, and artists often used it as a tool for political and social critique. Abstract art, on the other hand, is primarily concerned with aesthetics and does not typically include any political or social agenda.

Finally, both movements differ in terms of how they approach ideas and concepts. Surrealism seeks to explore and subvert existing norms, while abstract art is concerned with creating new and exciting forms of expression that are not bound by the conventions of traditional art. Surrealism often relies on pre-existing forms and motifs, while abstract art is entirely focused on creating something new and original.

In conclusion, while both surrealist and abstract art share some similarities in their desire to break away from traditional modes of representation, they are ultimately two distinct movements with different goals and ideals. Surrealist art is more concerned with symbolism, social commentary, and the expression of the unconscious mind, while abstract art is primarily concerned with formal elements, pure forms of expression, and aesthetics.

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