Surrealism is a literary and artistic movement that aims to bring the complex world of the subconscious to the forefront of art. Emerging from the Dadaist challenge to authority and conventional structures, this movement utilized the boundless potential of the subconscious as a creative tool for expression. Inspired by Freud's psychoanalytic theories, surrealists explored the impact of dreams, delirium, and states beyond the control of reason on artistic expression.

Surrealism introduced a radical innovation in art by uncovering the individual’s imagination and subconscious potential. By challenging traditional art conventions, this movement not only enriched artistic expression but also opened the door to the infinite possibilities of the human mind.

Definition and Foundations of Surrealism

Surrealism advocates for the emergence of thought without any logical or moral restrictions. The founder of this movement, André Breton, described surrealism as “pure psychic automatism, free from the influence of reason and aesthetic or moral concerns.” Breton emphasized that surrealism dismantles conventional thought structures, placing the individual’s imagination and subconscious at the core of creative expression. The name of the movement derives from the term “surreal,” which Apollinaire used to describe one of his works.

The Reflection of the Subconscious in Art

Freud’s psychoanalytic theories are fundamental to surrealism. Freud proposed that repressed desires in the subconscious emerge through dreams, delirium, and uncontrolled mental states. Inspired by these ideas, surrealists made the subconscious a primary material in their art. Dreams and extraordinary images became essential elements of surrealist works.

Surrealist artists stepped outside traditional logic and moral values, creating unexpected connections between images. These associations, often aided by humor or fantastical elements, broke the viewer's or reader's perception of reality and introduced them to a new, unconventional understanding.

^{A surrealistic image generated by artificial intelligence.}

Surrealist Techniques

Surrealism maintains that art should be an expression of the subconscious and has developed various techniques to achieve this goal:

• Automatic Writing: A technique in which thoughts are transcribed without conscious control or planning. Surrealists used this method to capture the unfiltered ideas and images of the subconscious on paper.
• Dream Representation: Translating the flow of thoughts and images from dreams into art to create an illogical yet meaningful reality.
• Humor: Breaking conventional associations between objects to establish new, unexpected links. Humor serves to disrupt daily perceptions of reality, opening the mind to fresh perspectives.
• Extraordinariness: Blending the realms of dreams and imagination with reality, this technique brings fantastical creatures and events to the center of artistic creation.

The Impact of Surrealism on Art and Literature

Surrealism has had a profound influence on various artistic fields, including painting, literature, and theater. Led by figures such as Breton, Eluard, and Aragon, the movement gained prominence after World War I but began to wane after World War II. Nevertheless, its legacy continues to resonate in modern art and literature.

Surrealism in Turkish Literature

In Turkish literature, surrealist elements can be observed in the fantastical characters and narratives of folk tales and rhymes. Additionally, the İkinci Yeni (Second New) poetry movement is considered to have incorporated influences of surrealism in its works.

Surrealism remains a testament to the exploration of the human mind’s limitless potential, offering a new perspective on creativity and breaking the boundaries of traditional artistic norms.