France (Washington Insider Magazine) – A major exhibition commemorating Surrealism’s centenary will debut in September at Paris’ Centre Pompidou. This exhibition, one of five in a series, demonstrates how surrealism evolved in the world since its inception. In 2025, the show will travel to Madrid, Hamburg, and Philadelphia, each presenting a unique viewpoint on the movement.
One hundred years ago, in his Surrealist manifesto, André Breton called for art and literature driven by the unconscious and free from reason and moral concerns. This manifesto triggered a large, subversive movement characterized by dreamlike images and visual tricks. The Paris exhibition aims to show the global impact of Surrealism beyond its French origins.
The exhibition, which started in Brussels, adopts an unprecedented format. While some artworks and themes remain consistent, each city adds unique elements, reflecting its cultural heritage. This approach aligns with surrealism’s tradition of challenging artistic norms.
Broader Perspective on Surrealism
According to Theguardian, Curator Marie Sarré notes that the last major surrealism exhibition at the Pompidou Centre in 2002 focused primarily on its European roots. Since then, extensive research has revealed surrealism’s global reach, influencing art in the United States, South America, Asia, and the Maghreb. The current exhibition highlights this diversity and emphasizes the movement’s worldwide spread.
Breton’s original manifesto will be a central feature, with pages of the manuscript on loan from the French National Library. The exhibition includes renowned surrealists like René Magritte and Salvador Dalí, as well as lesser-known artists such as Japanese painter Tatsuo Ikeda and Mexican artist Rufino Tamayo. It also aims to spotlight overlooked female surrealists like Leonora Carrington, Dorothy Tanning, and Dora Maar.
Contemporary Resonances and Historical Contexts
The exhibition will explore surrealism’s modern relevance, including its environmental themes and anticolonial messages. In Paris, the show will feature tracts against France’s Algerian War (1954-62). In Brussels, the Royal Museum of Fine Arts linked surrealism to 19th-century symbolism, highlighting the continuity between these movements.
Evolution of the Exhibition
As the exhibition moves from city to city, it will continue to evolve. The Royal Museum of Fine Arts is lending key pieces to Paris, such as Magritte’s *The Dominion of Light*. Thematic elements like dreams, nightmares, forests, and the cosmos, inspired by Breton’s manifesto, will reappear throughout the tour, with each museum drawing from its collections to enrich the narrative.
According to Brussels curator Francisca Vandepitte, this is not a standard traveling exhibition. While certain themes will recur, each museum will tailor the show to its unique collection and heritage, offering fresh insights into the rich, varied history of surrealism.