Surrealism - André Breton

Surrealism is an artistic movement that emerged in the early 1900s, based on abandoning logical thought and embracing unexpected associations stemming from the unconscious.

André Breton, the founder of the movement, defined it as "pure psychic automatism."

One characteristic technique of surrealism is automatic writing, which involves writing for several minutes without thinking, allowing words to flow directly from the subconscious.

From the Surrealist Manifesto: *"Get something to write with and settle into a place that seems most favorable for concentrating your mind on itself. Place yourself in the most passive or receptive state possible [...] Write quickly without a predetermined subject, as fast as you can, without stopping, without the temptation to reread."*

You are invited to draw automatically for 15 seconds, letting go of conscious thought.

DEBRIEFING Surrealism - André Breton

From the Surrealist Manifesto: *"Surrealism is based on the idea of a higher degree of reality connected to certain forms of association previously neglected, on the omnipotence of dreams, and on the disinterested play of thought."*

When you drew, you acted without thinking: it was a "automatic" movement, not guided by reason.

You explored thought in a disinterested way.

In automatic writing, when you reread your words, you may feel astonishment, disbelief, and wonder. You created it automatically, without conscious thought—you truly discover it only upon rereading.

After drawing automatically, you observed the path you had created.

Did you draw curved or straight lines, short segments or harmonious shapes, symbols or random patterns?

Did you focus on one area or explore the entire space?

Did you work quickly or calmly?

It was not a real experience—it was, indeed, surreal.