Surrealist Paintings
SURREALIST STYLE
In the wake of World War I’s ravaging of Europe, artists delved into the unconscious mind to confront and grapple with this reality. Poet and critic André Breton, a leader of the Surrealist movement who authored the 1924 Surrealist Manifesto, called this approach “a violent reaction against the impoverishment and sterility of thought processes that resulted from centuries of rationalism.” Surrealist art emerged in the 1920s with dreamlike and uncanny imagery guided by a variety of techniques such as automatic drawing, which can be likened to a stream of consciousness, to channel psychological experiences.
Although Surrealism was a groundbreaking approach for European art, its practitioners were inspired by Indigenous art and ancient mysticism for reenvisioning how sculptures, paintings, prints, performance art and more could respond to the unsettled world around them.
Surrealist artists were also informed by the Dada movement, which originated in 1916 Zurich and embraced absurdity over the logic that had propelled modernity into violence. Some of the Surrealists had witnessed this firsthand, such as Max Ernst, who served in the trenches during World War I, and Salvador Dalí, whose otherworldly paintings and other work responded to the dawning civil war in Spain.
Other key artists associated with the revolutionary art and literary movement included Man Ray, Joan Miró, René Magritte, Yves Tanguy, Frida Kahlo and Meret Oppenheim, all of whom had a distinct perspective on reimagining reality and freeing the unconscious mind from the conventions and restrictions of rational thought. Pablo Picasso showed some of his works in “La Peinture Surréaliste” — the first collective exhibition of Surrealist painting — which opened at Paris’s Galerie Pierre in November of 1925. (Although Magritte is best known as one of the visual Surrealist movement’s most talented practitioners, his famous 1943 painting, The Fifth Season, can be interpreted as a formal break from Surrealism.)
The outbreak of World War II led many in the movement to flee Europe for the Americas, further spreading Surrealism abroad. Generations of modern and contemporary artists were subsequently influenced by the richly symbolic and unearthly imagery of Surrealism, from Joseph Cornell to Arshile Gorky.
Find a collection of original Surrealist paintings, sculptures, prints and multiples and more art on 1stDibs.
Style: Surrealist
Color: Pink
Image of Peace #2
Located in Singapore, SG
Coneflower is a type of flower that is easy to grow and easily adapts to the environment. The little girl on the coneflower hugs her beloved cat lovingly, as if to tell everyone that...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
Today Happens Once by Lucas Aoki
Located in New York, NY
Archival Pigment print
Limited Edition of 25
18 x 24 inches
Signed and numbered by the artist
Category
2010s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Giclée
Urban Empire # 5
Located in Singapore, SG
My works are juxtaposition of imperialist era and inevitable advancement of modern science with enlightenment of knowledge, which in course of time overthrown the previous regime. Th...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Paper, Acrylic, Pigment
1960's British Surrealist Oil Painting - Fantasy Abstract Pink Bird
By Elvic Steele
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Stunning original oil painting by Elvic Steele depicting this surrealist fantasy abstract painting.
Elvic Steele is a fascinating English painter. Her works entrance the observer, d...
Category
Mid-20th Century Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Oil
'Drunk Houses, ' by Dragana Milovic, Acrylic on Canvas Painting
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
This 24" x 30" acrylic on canvas painting by artist Dragana Milovic features a fantastical landscape of houses, florals, and other whimsical elements. ...
Category
2010s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
Sword Swallower, Acrylic Painting on Canvas by Alejandro Colunga
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Alejandro Colunga, Mexican (1948 - )
Title: Lady Sword Swallower
Year: 1975
Medium: Acrylic on Canvas, signed l.l.
Size: 16 x 12 inches
Category
1970s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Acrylic, Canvas
Neon Ovoids, Mid-Century Abstract neon orange, green, pink acrylic painting
Located in Beachwood, OH
Clarence Holbrook Carter (American, 1904-2000)
Neon Ovoids, c. 1960s
Acrylic on paper
9 x 12 inches
Mid-Century Abstract neon orange, green, pink acrylic painting.
Clarence Holbroo...
Category
1960s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
"Silver Cord, " Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Amanda Seckington's "Silver Cord" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a vibrant purple and red eye and face.
Category
2010s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Panel, Oil
Tree of life. Angel in red dress with lamb. 2002, canvas, oil, 140x110 cm
Located in Riga, LV
Tree of life. 2002, canvas, oil, 140x110 cm
Category
Early 2000s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Psychedelic Handbags - Surreal Visonary Landscape
Located in Soquel, CA
Psychedelic abstract with textile fashion handbags in a colorful, surreal landscape by San Francisco artist Michael William Eggleston (American, 20th Century). From a collection of h...
Category
Early 2000s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Oil, Paper
Carousel, Surrealist Oil Painting on Canvas by Richard Karwoski
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Richard Karwoski, American (1938 - 1993)
Title: Carousel
Year: circa 1975
Medium: Oil on Canvas, signed l.r.
Size: 44 in. x 60 in. (111.76 cm x 152.4 cm)
Category
1970s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Oil, Canvas
"Effect-6 , " Acrylic on Canvas - Surrealist
Located in Houston, TX
In his "Effect" series, we see how Plusch gives location - places and spaces resembling the world around us - the same treatment once reserved for his abstract human forms. Effective...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
Related Items
Floating Castle - Contemporary Surreal Landscape
Located in Soquel, CA
Fantastical surreal landscape with a floating castle in an idyllic, dream-like setting with bright blue sky and green grass by Melissa Barkley (Ameri...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic, Cardboard
Renaissance dream. Messenger. Acrylic on canvas, 57x59 cm
Located in Riga, LV
Renaissance dream. Messenger. Acrylic on canvas, 57x59 cm
Painting with mystic creatures, people, horse, knight
Igor Leontiev (1957) - one of the leading independent painters in Latvia
Born in Riga, Latvia.
Studied in the Art School of Rozental, the Latvian Academy of Arts and private studios of the famous painters and teachers Abram Bikov and Vitaly Karkunov. Participates in exhibitions since 1987.
Awards:
1991 – One of the main grants at the International Art Project «Golden Brush» at the Central Painters' House, Moscow, Russia
Solo Shows:
2008- Gallery "Antonia", Riga. exhibition "Dream City"
2002 – Open exhibition “Genesis” Austria, Vienna
2002 - «Painting», Blackhead's House, Riga (printed brochure)
2000 - Personal exhibition in Austria, Vienna “Gallery Atelier T”
2000 – Personal exhibition in Riga, Latvia
2000 - Institute of Practical Psyhogy, Riga (printed brochure)
2001 - Gallery «AtelierT», Vienna, Austria
1998 – Joined exhibition with N.Bessonova «Garant», Vienna, Austria
1998 - Gallery «Nelliya», Riga
1998 - Co-project with N.Bessonova «Birds and Fish», Gallery «Nelliya», Riga
1997 - Gallery «Dzintars», Riga
1997 - Insurance Company «New Re» Gallery, Geneva, Switzerland
1997 - Gallery «Rigas Vini», Riga
1997 - Gallery «Goldshidhaus», Gilzenkirken, Germany, with N.Bessonova
1996 – Personal exhibition in “Rigas vini” Gallery, Riga
1996 - Gallery «Sofia», Gilzenkirken, Germany
1991 - Russian Culture Fund, Riga
1991 – Last personal exhibition in Riga
Group Shows:
2007 - Museum der stad Bad Ischl”Genesis2000”
2007 -“Art Innsbruck” International Messe.
2004 - Showcase of Latvian painters dedicated to Latvia joining the EU, museum «Horst Shloss», Germany
2004 - «Hungary by the Latvian Painters», Moscow House, Riga
2003 - «Autumn-2003», Latvian State Art Museum
2003 - Autumn exhibitions of Latvian Painters, Gallery «Nelliya», Riga
2003 - «Abstract Art in Latvian Painting», Latvian State Art Museum
2000-2006 - International Project dedicated to the Book «Genesis», Austria
2002 - «Autumn», Latvian State Art Museum
1999 - Participation in exhibition “Gold of Russian Art” Austria, Vienna, “Gallery Atelier T”
1999 – Participation in projects “Genesis” Austria, Vienna, “Gallery Atelier T”
1997 - «Art Expo» New York, USA
1996 - «Art of the Chosen Ones», Latvian State Art Museum «Arsenal»
1995 - «Surrealism in Works of Latvian Painters», Russian Culture Fund, Riga
1994 - «Christmas Exhibition», Embassy of Poland in Latvia, Riga
1993 - «Art of the Russian Painters», Embassy of Russia in Latvia, Riga
1993 - «Golden Brush», Central Painters' House, Moscow, Russia
1993 - «Latvian Painters», Gallery «Sofia», Germany
1992 – sept.,Oct. – exhibition in Baad Goseberg, Germany
1992 - «Artmyth», International Art Festival, Manezh, Moscow, Russia
1992 - «Latvian Art», Berlin, Germany
1991 – «Reshaping», exhibition in Moscow
1991 - «Golden Brush», Central Painters' House, Moscow, Russia
1991 - «Transformation», Youth Palace, Moscow, Russia
1991 - «Latvian Painters», Belver, Germany
1989 - «Artcontact» National Art Project, Culture House of Railroad workers, Riga
1989 - «Artist and Religion», Riga - Moscow
1988 - «Free Art», Rigas Modes, Riga
1987 - First exhibition with painters A.Alekperov and G.Huckivadze in the Culture House of Railroad workers, Riga
Auctions:
2002 - «Doroteum» Vienna, Austria - paintings «Russian Art» and «Portrait of Olga...
Category
1990s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Acrylic, Canvas
H 22.45 in W 23.23 in D 1.19 in
Heinrich Richter "#50", 1969
Located in Washington, DC
Oil on canvas painting by Heinrich Richter (German/Polish, 1920-2007). Painting is titled #50, signed and dated 1969. Heinrich Richter has had numerous solo and group exhibitions in ...
Category
1960s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Vintage Surreal Prison Murder Macabre Original Drawing
Located in Buffalo, NY
Rare and interesting original drawing. Charcoal and penicl on paper. Signed. Framed. Image size, 15L x 13H.
Category
1930s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
"Fungo Atomico" (Atomic Mushroom) Surrealist Landscape
By Luigi Pretin
Located in Houston, TX
Surrealist painting of a white structure in a barren desert titled "Fungo Atomico" by Italian surrealist painter Luigi Pretin, circa 1976. Signed and dated in lower right corner as w...
Category
1970s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
Pianeti, satelliti ed una citta nello spazio.
Located in Firenze, IT
Pianeti, satelliti ed una citta nello spazio.
Firmato da artista Gregor Alexis Vogt - Tamaroff.
Data e luogo della creazione sul retro: Marsiglia 1972.
In un paesaggio surreale appar...
Category
1970s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Masonite, Oil, Acrylic
H 27.56 in W 31.5 in D 1.19 in
Madonnas of Modernity
Located in Naples, FL
Characterized by his deeply honest means of expression and fascination with Orientalism, Surrealism, and social commentary, Moscow painter Stanislav Plutenko...
Category
2010s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Giclée
Surrealist Gouache and Watercolour on Paper, 'Sunday School Ghosts'.
Located in Cotignac, FR
Surrealist watercolour and gouache on handmade paper by British artist Derek Carruthers. Signed bottom right and signed, dated and titled 'Sunday School Ghosts' to the reverse.
A wo...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Acrylic, Handmade Paper, Watercolor, Gouache
H 22.45 in W 29.93 in D 0.08 in
Bulb of Africa 1
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Bulb of Africa was not just a hairstyle; it was a celebration of African heritage and a testament to the resilience of its people. Passed down through generations, it represented strength, beauty, and the rich tapestry of African traditions. The Bulb showcased the natural texture and volume of African hair, transforming it into an intricate masterpiece of braids, twists, and coils.
The Bulb of Africa became a symbol of empowerment, reminding people of their strength, resilience, and the beauty of their shared heritage. It served as a reminder that hair was more than a physical attribute; it was a connection to something greater—a connection to their ancestors, their community, and celebrating the beauty within themselves.
Beyond their physical beauty, African women possess an immeasurable inner strength that resonates through "Bulb of Africa." Odunayo masterfully captures this strength, highlighting the resilience and determination that have defined African women throughout history. The women depicted in the artwork emanate confidence, wisdom, and a sense of purpose. Their gaze speaks volumes, embodying the stories of countless African women who have overcome adversity, shattered barriers, and carved out their own paths to success. In "Bulb of Africa," Iyiola Odunayo...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
Elly
Located in London, GB
artist: Anastaasia Kurakina
limited edition print glicee canvas
hand signed
2024
Anastasia Kurakina is an internationally renowned visual artist. To date, she has been exhibiting in...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Digital, Canvas, Cotton Canvas, Giclée, Color
Surrealist Painting Royal College Art LGBTQ+ Female Artist Banana Blue Heads
By Isabel Rock
Located in Norfolk, GB
Isabel Rock is a creator of contemporary fairy tales. A graduate of the Royal College of Art in London, her work is an explosion of strange occurrences while a surreal narrative takes the audience on a journey into the imagination.
In October 2023 Isabel won the Evelyn Williams Drawing Award at the Trinity Buoy Wharf Drawing Prize. Known as the UK’s most prestigious annual open exhibition for drawing; part of the prize is a solo show at Hastings Contemporary, scheduled for 2024.
Whilst Isabel always has a tale to tell for each of her images, you may or may not choose to go on the journey with her or you may indeed have a different story, one of your own that jumps off the page at you, that that you decide to follow.
Artwork Details:
(A), 48x60cm, acrylic ink and acrylic paint on paper, 2011
Artwork Provenance: from the Artist Studio
photo credits, Isabel working, black and white shots, James Brown
In Isabel's own words:
Banana Boat...
Category
2010s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Mixed Media, Paint, Acrylic, Archival Paper, Pen
Free Shipping
H 18.9 in W 23.63 in
DESNUDOS
By Jorge Tamayo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
JORGE TAMAYO
"DESNUDOS"
ARCYLIC ON CANVAS, SIGNED, TITLED
COSTA RICA, DATED 2012
43 X 51 INCHES
Jorge Tamayo Cabrera
Tamayo was born in Ecuador in 1...
Category
2010s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
Previously Available Items
Magenta Skies
Located in Deddington, GB
Magenta Skies [2021]
original
Oil paint on canvas board
Image size: H:40 cm x W:40 cm
Complete Size of Unframed Work: H:40 cm x W:40 cm x D:1cm
Frame Si...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic, Board
Forgiveness. 2011. Cardboard, canvas, oil, 50x35 cm
Located in Riga, LV
Forgiveness. 2011, cardboard, canvas, oil 50x35 cm
Juris Dimiters (1947)
Education:
1958-1965 Janis Rozentals Art High School of Riga
1965-1973 Art Academy of Latvia, Painting Dep...
Category
2010s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil, Cardboard
Free Shipping
H 19.69 in W 13.78 in D 0.08 in
"Pink Rose in Quarantine" - floral painting - realism - Rene Magritte
Located in Atlanta, GA
"Pink Rose in Quarantine" is an oil painting featuring hues of orange, pink, red, and black.
Jim Wise is inspired by the works of Georgia O'Keeffe, Rene Magritte, James Rosenquist, E...
Category
2010s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
"IRA in the Supermarket Hole" Large Political Themed Surrealist Painting
By Linda Sutton
Located in Houston, TX
Surrealist painting having to do with the Irish Republican Army and Bloody Friday. In the 20th to 21st centuries the Irish believed that they should have been separated from British rule and wanted to form a government of their own. This conflict started a political war between the two countries which lead to a bombing in 1972. The Irish Republican Army bombed Belfast on 21 of July. Twenty bombs exploded in the span of eight minutes. Nine people were killed and 130 were injured. The painting is believed to be from the perspective of a British citizen during the bombing hence why it is red and has various body parts and figures that appear to be injured.
The painting is signed, titled and dated by the artist. Canvas is not framed.
Artist Biography: Linda Sutton...
Category
1970s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
H 84.5 in W 71.75 in D 2 in
Surrealist paintings for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a wide variety of authentic Surrealist paintings available for sale on 1stDibs. Works in this style were very popular during the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artists have continued to produce works inspired by this movement. If you’re looking to add paintings created in this style to introduce contrast in an otherwise neutral space in your home, the works available on 1stDibs include elements of blue, orange, purple, green and other colors. Many Pop art paintings were created by popular artists on 1stDibs, including Elvic Steele, Rudolf Kosow, Isabel Rock, and Henry David Potwin. Frequently made by artists working with Paint, and Oil Paint and other materials, all of these pieces for sale are unique and have attracted attention over the years. Not every interior allows for large Surrealist paintings, so small editions measuring 2 inches across are also available. Prices for paintings made by famous or emerging artists can differ depending on medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1 and tops out at $400,000, while the average work sells for $2,999.
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