100 Years of Surrealism: Why Surrealism is Now More Relevant Than It Ever Was?

As we reach its 100th anniversary, surrealism's relevance is at its peak because of the awful political climate that is once again compelling rebellion against reason.

            Surrealism and its 100 years of history have once again reached the surface of our daily lives. The current political and human state elicits doubt toward the very structure of reason and logic that society applies.

Just like how it was in 1914-1919, a time when reason and the rational world were blamed for the horror of World War I and The Spanish Flu Pandemic, the horror of today is also receiving the same response. The skepticism toward the world and the political power that lies within the people were stimulated through art rejecting logic and reason. The artists of that time created art with surreal imagery and graphics that subtly challenged the notions of reality.

The Face of War (1940) by Salvador Dali

So why is Surrealism more relevant than ever today?

As political power slowly seeps its fangs to silence people, surrealism offers a way for the public to question and criticize the structure of power and authority. Surrealism's unique way of building a narrative and highlighting certain representations of people further questions the domination of certain authorities and the abuse they commit.

Just like any other art, surrealism can act as a mechanism of coping and an outlet for escapism from the harsh reality. With today’s jarring reality, surrealism can be a space where people can process each event and regulate their emotions to cope with the chaos of the world.

Most importantly of all, surrealism is a great tool for social and political commentary and criticism. The current reality we live in is no stranger to issues of inequality, discrimination, environmental crises, human rights violations, and more. The absurd imageries of surrealistic art can be used to stimulate conversations and raise awareness of the issues of today.

Overall, the ability of Surrealism to stimulate thoughts and ideas, evoke emotions, and challenge reality and structure makes it particularly relevant in today's horrifying political state. It provides both criticism for what's currently happening and imagery of what it could be.