Artisans of the early 20th century expressed a new level of boldness, different perspectives, and classical influences, which allowed each artist to grow skills and share raw talent throughout the whole world. Out of the height of the Dada and Bauhaus art periods grew what was known as Surrealism during 1924 in western Europe and North America. Artists of the newfound generation inhabited themes of philosophy and mind games through the artwork presented during the era. Before World War II took place, the height of artists’ social awareness grew exponentially, gaining different viewpoints that experienced hardship and injustice. While artists of the past created art from what they saw or knew, it was the 20th-century artists that developed an understanding of creating interpretations, ideas, and acts of social awareness movements through their work. Through this mindset, art movements such as Surrealism and the Harlem Renaissance were born into the world, the first being Surrealism.
Surrealism differentiated from the Dada period, although it took place only a few years after. André Breton, the founder of the Surrealist period, paved the way for Salvador Dalí, who had the most influence during the era. Dali created works that interpreted dreamscapes while visualizing obscure narratives. And Dalí’s most known painting, The Persistence of Memory (1931), depicted his infamous melting pocket watches against what represents a cliff in Spain where he once lived. Nevertheless, it was the underlying theme of symbolism for the Surrealist creators, which also included artists Rene Magritte and Frida Kahlo, that drew inspiration from the philosophical theories of Sigmund Freud.
Surrealism had a mind-twisting impact on the artisans of the early 20th century. The movement visualized deeper meaning and unrealistic images that captured the attention of so many inspired individuals. Through Surrealism grew a generation of creatives that embraced different art mediums that took over the art world, such as photography. The advance in technology paved the way for more individuals to become artists expressing their life during the 1900s. Alongside the Surrealist period and advances in photography came a representation of the culture from remote communities in New York City, known as the Harlem Renaissance. The textbook explains how the movement developed throughout an influential period of the social divide. Thus, artists of the Harlem Renaissance expressed their perspectives. “The influence of the Harlem Renaissance was felt throughout the twentieth century, particularly during the Civil Rights Movement.” (Arnason, H. Mansfield, E. 2012). The importance of the Harlem Renaissance depicts an era of artists, such as painter Palmer Hayden and portrait photographer James Van Der Zee, who influenced society.
As Christians, viewing the artists and artworks of the 20th century, represent the hardship and injustice that people still face today. As creatives and believers, our goals should be to spread awareness through mediums such as art while reflecting on God’s grace, love, and creation. “Let all that you do be done in love.” (1 Corinthians 16:14, ESV Bible). With the knowledge and respect for artists such as Salvador Dalí and Palmer Hayden, we can use it to learn how to spread God’s love through art and community connections.
For more articles on Surrealism and American Art please visit:
https://www.theartstory.org/movement/surrealism/ & https://www.moma.org/learn/moma_learning/themes/surrealism/ & https://www.nga.gov/learn/teachers/lessons-activities/uncovering-america/harlem-renaissance.html
Hannah J. Pasquini © 2022
References:
Arnason, H., H. and Elizabeth C. Mansfield. History of Modern Art. Available from: Liberty University Online Bookshelf, (7th Edition). Pearson Education (US), 2012. https://libertyonline.vitalsource.com/reader/books/9780205953233/pageid/371
The English Standard (ESV) Bible 1 Corinthians 16:14
