Surrealism

Rene Magritte & blog work

Rene Magritte

Working with Surrealism

Questions to answer about the reading:

1.     What is surrealism? 

An art movement that releases the creative potential of the unconscious mind. Surrealist develop their ideas from the strange things that happen in dreams. They juxtapose objects and as result, the images seem both unreal and surreal. 

2.     What motif did Magritte use in many of his works? Why was this significant? 

A man wearing a bowler hat. His motifs, are subjects that he puts in his works. He created at least 21 different paintings in which a businessman is featured. His first one was a self portrait. He referred to himself as a motif. 

3.     In his work Golconda, why is it important that Magritte varied the image of the man in the bowler hat?  How does it add depth to the work?  

To create surrealism and to make it interesting. There is variation among the men even though it seems identical. Some have hands in their pockets, some carry briefcases. Without the variation, the repeated figure might make the painting boring. Subtle differences encourages viewers to look more closely. 

4.     Why did surreal artists choose to create strange worlds with their art? 

Because surrealists develop their idea from the strange things that happen in their dreams..it's going to be strange.

5.     Explain how the techniques of juxtaposition, altered scale, and language help Magritte explore Surrealism. 

Juxtaposition puts objects next to each other to compare and puts unrelated objects side by side as a way to express their ideas and abstractness. He altered scales in his art by making the smaller men in the background and the larger men in the foreground which makes them seem closer to the viewers. 

6.     What would be a few reasons why Magritte would cover the faces of his subjects? 

It creates mystery of the identity of the faces. It creates wonder and curiosity. 

7.     Why did Magritte strive for realism & precision in his paintings?

He developed techniques to mimic things that happen in dreams. He attempts to make his art make sense of the dreams when awake. 

8.     Google more of Magritte’s work and include 2 images that interest you.

the lovers
The background notice how the wall looks like its seen from an laying down point of view. The blankets covering the face creates mystery. The surrealism is the blankets on the face of the lovers as they kiss and the reallism is the lovers - people. Juxtaposed to create a dream like image. 

·      Examples from artists that inspire you (6)

Perception vs. Reality

Outward
What are peoples perceptions about you based on looks. clothing action and stereotypes? How do you present yourself at school? What does that look like? How would you pose in a portrait to represent these notions? What would you wear? How would the light look for a studio shot?

Create a list of words that describe the outward you. Provide a written response and find visual examples of poses to aid in your shot taking.

stylish
self conscious
not basic
above and beyond
outgoing
direct


Inward
Who is the real you that people are unaware of? What is a side of you that people do not know or cant tell just by looking at you on the surface? What are your interests/passions? How can you represent this realistic viewpoint of yourself through imagery? How can emotions, mood, and feelings be personified through a static image.

Create a list of words that describe the inward you. Provide a written response and think of images you have taken that describe your true self.

creative
humane
self discovery
hyper awareness
empathetic
observant
good listener
genuine
egalitarian
accepting
good tolerance
extremely sensitive
pessimistic
unrealistic ideas about reality
eccentric
obsessive-compulsive
neurotic
impulsive
paranoid
real

finished