9.3 Abstract Surrealism

Abstract Surrealism blended Surrealist ideas with abstract forms in the 1940s. Artists ditched realistic images for non-representational art, tapping into the subconscious mind. This shift was influenced by Freud and Jung's theories, aiming to express the irrational.

The movement emerged as a response to World War II's chaos. It moved from literal dream imagery to ambiguous abstract forms, evoking emotional states. European artists migrating to the US sparked a cross-pollination of ideas, influencing later abstract movements.

Abstract Surrealism's Emergence

Fusion of Surrealism and Abstraction

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• Abstract Surrealism emerged in the 1940s as a fusion of Surrealist ideas with abstract forms
• Movement shifted away from representational imagery towards non-representational means
• Artists sought to create a visual language directly accessing the subconscious
• Bypassed rational thought and conventional artistic techniques
• Influenced by psychological theories of Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung
• Emphasized exploration of the unconscious mind through abstract forms

Historical Context and Influences

• Developed as a response to the horrors of World War II
• Artists sought new ways to express irrationality and chaos of the time
• Characterized by shift from literal dream imagery to ambiguous abstract forms
• Evoked emotional and psychological states through non-representational art
• Coincided with migration of many European artists to the United States
• Contributed to cross-pollination of ideas between continents (Europe and America)
• Influenced development of later abstract movements (Abstract Expressionism)

Abstract Surrealist Characteristics

Techniques and Visual Elements

• Automatism adapted from traditional Surrealism to create spontaneous abstract forms
• Produced without conscious control or premeditation
• Biomorphic shapes reminiscent of organic forms in nature frequently used
• Evoked primordial or unconscious associations (amoebas, cellular structures)
• Color employed expressively and symbolically in vivid, unexpected combinations
• Elicited emotional responses through unconventional color pairings (neon greens with deep purples)
• Spatial ambiguity created forms floating in indeterminate spaces
• Challenged traditional perspective and depth perception

Composition and Material Experimentation

• Layering and overlapping of forms created complex compositions
• Invited multiple interpretations and readings of the artwork
• Textural experimentation added depth and tactile quality
• Incorporated mixed media and unconventional materials (sand, found objects)
• Integration of text or calligraphic elements created dialogue between verbal and visual languages
• Combined words, symbols, and abstract shapes in single compositions

Notable Abstract Surrealists' Impact

Pioneering Artists and Techniques

• Roberto Matta pioneered use of biomorphic forms and spatial ambiguity
• Influenced development of Abstract Expressionism with fluid, organic shapes
• Arshile Gorky bridged European Surrealism and American Abstract Expressionism
• Showcased unique blend of automatic drawing and abstract forms
• Wolfgang Paalen developed fumage technique
• Used smoke to create abstract forms, expanding repertoire of Surrealist techniques
• André Masson's automatic drawings and sand paintings pushed boundaries of material experimentation
• Incorporated chance and unconventional materials (sand, glue) in compositional process

Evolution and Influence on Abstract Art

• Joan Miró's late work exemplified transition from figurative Surrealism to abstract language
• Developed personal vocabulary of signs and symbols (crescents, stars, abstract shapes)
• Yves Tanguy created enigmatic landscapes populated by abstract forms
• Contributed to movement's exploration of imaginary spaces and dreamlike environments
• Collective impact of these artists paved way for complete abandonment of representation
• Influenced later abstract movements (Color Field painting, Lyrical Abstraction)
• Expanded boundaries of what constituted "art" in mid-20th century

Abstract Surrealism vs Other Movements

Comparisons with Contemporary Abstractions

• Differed from Geometric Abstraction in emphasis on organic, fluid forms
• Contrasted with Geometric Abstraction's strict shapes and mathematical precision
• Unlike Abstract Expressionism, maintained connection to subconscious and dream imagery
• Abstract Expressionism focused more on gesture and act of painting itself
• Shared interest in spontaneous expression with Lyrical Abstraction
• Retained stronger link to Surrealist philosophy and psychological exploration than Lyrical Abstraction
• Contrasted with Concrete Art's rejection of purely non-objective forms
• Maintained vestiges of recognizable elements or suggestions of natural phenomena

Distinctions and Influences

• Use of biomorphic shapes and spatial ambiguity distinguished it from structured Constructivism
• Moved away from narrative and figurative elements still present in traditional Surrealism
• Focused on abstract forms to convey psychological states rather than literal dream scenes
• Integration of chance and automatism prefigured techniques in later movements
• Influenced development of Tachisme and Art Informel
• Maintained distinct focus on subconscious mind compared to later abstract movements
• Bridged gap between European Surrealism and American abstraction
• Contributed to development of international abstract language in mid-20th century art