A double exhibition is being held to commemorate the anniversary of surrealism, paying particular attention to the works of Magritte, a leading figure in the movement. The celebration is organized by the Bozar fine arts center and the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, which aim to underscore the political significance of surrealism in the rise of fascism. In addition to Magritte, the exhibition also includes pieces from the international surrealism movement, featuring works of Spanish artists such as Dalí, Miró, and Picasso.
The exhibition at Bozar, titled ‘Histoire de ne pas rire. Surrealism in Belgium’, explores the contrast between the development of the movement in France and Belgium. On the other hand, the exhibition at the Royal Museums, ‘Imagine! 100 Years of International Surrealism’, examines the connection between surrealism and symbolism.
These exhibitions mark a hundred years since the publication of André Breton’s manifesto of surrealism in 1924. Breton’s manifesto outlined surrealism as an artistic movement that sought to capture the workings of the mind unrestrained by reason or aesthetic or moral concerns.
However, Paul Nougé, the poet who founded the Brussels Surrealist Group in 1926 with Magritte and others, was the leading theorist of Belgian surrealism. The title of one of the exhibitions is taken from Nougé’s book, ‘Histoire de ne pas rire’.
According to Christophe Slagmuylder, the artistic director of Bozar, the surrealists were united in their strong political opposition to right-wing ideologies. They advocated for a return to dreams and the unconscious mind, in the face of excessive rationalism that was driving Europe towards war and fascism.
Slagmuylder points out that the current political climate makes the exhibition particularly relevant. It serves as a reminder of the political engagement of the surrealists, beyond their aesthetic contributions, especially in the context of the capital of Europe. The exhibitions also emphasize the international connections between different artists, despite their geographical and temporal differences.
For instance, a connection is drawn between René Magritte and Salvador Dalí, who met several times early in their careers. The exhibition also features works by artists outside the surrealism movement who were influenced by it, such as De Chirico, Klee, Picasso, and Pollock.
Thanks to the collaboration of over 50 museums, the exhibitions present a unique opportunity to compare works that are seldom displayed together. They include a broad selection of around 500 works, objects, designs, photographs, and documents, offering a comprehensive overview of 75 years of surrealist activity.
The exhibition is organized in collaboration with the George Pompidou Center and will travel to the Mapfre Foundation in Madrid, the Hamburger Kunsthalle, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art after its run in Brussels and Paris.
