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.
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Style: Surrealist
Corn Snake and White Wedding Cake, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
It's a nice day to...start again. :: Painting :: Surrealism :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready to Hang: Yes :: Signed: Yes...
Category
2010s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
A Prickly Situation, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Original painting by Austin based artist Sandra Boskamp :: Painting :: Surrealism :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready to Ha...
Category
2010s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Oil
Mischievous
Located in Fairfield, CT
Represented by George Billis Gallery, NYC & LA -- The idea of meditation and contemplation play a major role in the paintings of artist Craig Carlisle. His paintings articulate indel...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Wood, Oil
The Happy Family, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
This golden surreal painting of an African family is oil on canvas :: Painting :: Surrealism :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: ...
Category
2010s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Oil
Sunset Prayer, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Intriguing surreal painting that will make a strong statement once it hangs in your home or business! Each window on these boxes has a message that is connected with my childhood. Th...
Category
2010s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Oil
Meeting of the Minds
Located in Napa, CA
Framed Oil on Canvas
Largely self-taught, Linda Ridd Herzog’s paintings boast unbelievably detailed animals and objects in fantastical, surreal scenes. Growing up in Utah, Herzog f...
Category
2010s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Obsession!, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
I only make original works. Each is a one of a kind so you will have the only one! My artwork is my emotions and you can see that emotions on the canvas - You can experience it eac...
Category
2010s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Oil
328 Praying for more, Painting, Oil on Canvas
By Andres Vivo
Located in Yardley, PA
Another study of human behaviour. Artwork done at the 90´s . Inspired by the dramatic scenes of the famous spanish master Francisco Goya :: Painting :: Surrealism :: This piece come...
Category
2010s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Oil
4700 Plumas y sombrillas, Painting, Oil on Canvas
By Andres Vivo
Located in Yardley, PA
Feathers and sun umbrellars Inspired by the the dramatic artworks of Goya.Belongs to my human behaviour series :: Painting :: Surrealism :: This piece comes with an official certif...
Category
2010s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Oil
4520 At the disco, Painting, Oil on Canvas
By Andres Vivo
Located in Yardley, PA
A modern place to meet. Music and dancing is the first connection between young fans. :: Painting :: Surrealism :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signe...
Category
2010s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Oil
4664 Iwant more, Painting, Oil on Canvas
By Andres Vivo
Located in Yardley, PA
The society is requiring more and more` the goverments,religions,minorities the preservers.All pushing to their sides. Inspired by the art works of Francisco Goya :: Painting :: Sur...
Category
2010s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Oil
4505 Transformaciones 1, Painting, Oil on Canvas
By Andres Vivo
Located in Yardley, PA
Belongs to my uman social behaviour series Inspired by the crude realities that Francisco Goya painted :: Painting :: Surrealism :: This piece comes with an official certificate of...
Category
2010s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Oil
Pawn, Painting, Oil on Watercolor Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
"Pawn" is an oil and mixed media collage on hand pressed archival watercolor paper. The piece depicts the abstracted head of a warrior in profile, using many symbols including an ear...
Category
2010s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Oil
Post-urban Vision No. 3, Painting, Oil on Canvas
By Slav Nedev
Located in Yardley, PA
A work from the Post-urban Visions series - a series that transcends the existence of today's highly urbanized industrial society and envisages a future (post-urban) state when the h...
Category
2010s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Oil
Chalkboard Diaries, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Chalkboard Diaries, a mixed media painting filled with oils, pastel and chalkboard paint take a diaristic approach on domestic romance.. The flames ar...
Category
2010s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Oil
Inside of the lines, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
It is an ORIGINAL painting not a print or reproduction or mass produced art! I personally pack my artworks. All necessary arrangements are made to make sure your paintings arrive saf...
Category
2010s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Oil
SALVADOR DE REGIL 1951 Surrealist Landscape w Figures, Hidden Faces & Nude Woman
Located in Rancho Santa Fe, CA
Oil on canvas board. Signed and dated lower left. Unframed.
Salvador de Regil’s 1951 surrealist oil painting transports viewers into a mesmerizing dreamscape where architecture and ...
Category
1950s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
The Xylophone Player IV, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Cameroon artist Angu Walters often paints African musicians. :: Painting :: Surrealism :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready ...
Category
2010s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
Sanza Player, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Here is an original oil painting of an African musician playing the sanza, in hues of purple and violet. "The sanza has traditionally accompanied African praise songs honoring anc...
Category
2010s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Oil
Prayer IV, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Here is a reverent painting of African Christians at prayer by Cameroon artist Angu Walters. :: Painting :: Surrealism :: This piece comes with an of...
Category
2010s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
My Love V, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
In this acrylic painting from Africa, a happy couple sings a love song. :: Painting :: Surrealism :: This piece comes with an official certificate...
Category
2010s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
The Blues Band I, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Painting of African blues musicians in muted colors by Cameroon artist Angu Walters who is himself a musician and often paints about music. :: Painting :: Surrealism :: This piece c...
Category
2010s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
Mother and Child VII, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Here is a painting from Africa of a mother and newborn infant in such warm colors. :: Painting :: Surrealism :: This piece comes with an official...
Category
2010s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Oil
Three on One, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Here is a painting from Africa in sparling bright pink and violet acrylic colors of three women. :: Painting :: Surrealism :: This piece comes wit...
Category
2010s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
Saturday Market, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Here is an emormous painting of the very busy scene at an African village on market day by Cameroon artist Angu Walters. :: Painting :: Surrealism :: This piece comes with an officia...
Category
2010s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Oil
BREAKING BAD AGAIN, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
By Marcelo Novo
Located in Yardley, PA
Created during and inspired by Covid-19 pandemia. Like a musician playing by ear and improvising as he goes, my art begins not with cautious preliminary sketches but working directly...
Category
2010s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
HATTED (DETRAS DE TU MIRADA), Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
By Marcelo Novo
Located in Yardley, PA
This painting is from my Contrast Series, where the subject is complex and with lots of details and volume, while the background is usual a solid (usually bright) color. Like a mu...
Category
2010s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
Mother Earth "Sicilian Landscape II "
Located in Miami, FL
Eugene Berman is a keen observer of his surroundings but never translates his vision in a literal way. In "Sicilian Landscape," the artist transfor...
Category
1960s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Oil
Organic Mechanism (colorful large abstract oil painting) Armenian Artist 2014
Located in Rancho Santa Fe, CA
Artist’s Statement
“𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘦𝘦 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘺 𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘵𝘰 𝘱𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨: 𝟷) 𝘔𝘺 “𝘚𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘶𝘢𝘭 𝘚𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘤𝘩” 𝘪𝘯 ...
Category
2010s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Oil, Cotton Canvas
"Self Portrait in Absentia 2" - surrealist portrait, flowers, patterns, paint
By Guy Robinson
Located in Atlanta, GA
This painting features hues of green, purple, blue, red, and yellow.
This surrealist portrait features a paint palette, glove, egg, paint tubes and fruit.
Guy Robinson is inspired ...
Category
2010s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Linen, Oil
Masquerade
Located in Fairfield, CT
Represented by George Billis Gallery, NYC & LA -- The idea of meditation and contemplation play a major role in the paintings of artist Craig Carlisle. His paintings articulate inde...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Linen, Oil
Witnessing the Hue
Located in Fairfield, CT
Represented by George Billis Gallery, NYC & LA -- The idea of meditation and contemplation play a major role in the paintings of artist Craig Carlisle. His paintings articulate indel...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Oil, Wood
ARIA. VII abstract framed black& white painting, Painting, Acrylic on Paper
By Sia Aryai
Located in Yardley, PA
A neutral white palette with a splash of black evokes soft appeal in this abstract one of a kind painting. This 16.5X22" hand-cut parchment is custom framed and floats mounted o...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
Holding My Breath, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
By Newel Hunter
Located in Yardley, PA
"Holding My Breath" is a perfect example of Hunter's highly fluid, calligraphic style -- which so often results in arresting images with a sense of depth and sculptural form. Intrigu...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
The coral cat mask, Painting, Oil on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
From a series of imaginary surreal tribal masks. Oil on thick paper, 50 x 60 cm, 2021. :: Painting :: Surrealism :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity sig...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Oil
Nevermore, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
By Newel Hunter
Located in Yardley, PA
"Nevermore" is painted with acrylic on a 24 x 24 x 1.5 inch gallery-wrapped canvas, edge painted black, ready to hang. This expressive, colorful, and whimsical image is a reflectio...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
Iriza
Located in Fairfield, CT
Represented by George Billis Gallery, NYC & LA -- The idea of meditation and contemplation play a major role in the paintings of artist Craig Carlisle. His paintings articulate indel...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Wood, Oil
Morning Vine
By Sarah Olson
Located in New York, NY
Morning Vine, 2017, oil on traditional gesso primed canvas mounted on wood panel with incised line drawing, 54 x 40 inches
Morning Vine is painted on a traditional gesso primed surf...
Category
2010s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Gesso, Canvas, Wood, Oil
Message
Located in Atlanta, GA
Georgian artist Merab Gagiladze was born in Tbilisi.
In 1987 he began his formal art education at the Tbilisi College of Art, School of Ceramics.
In 19...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Oil
Ponza
Located in Atlanta, GA
Gigino Falconi was born in Giulianova (Teramo) in 1933. He began painting at the age of sixteen, and in 1954 he obtained a Liceo Artistico of Pescara. During the early years of his c...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
Garden in Blue Sky
Located in Fairfield, CT
Represented by George Billis Gallery, NYC & LA -- The idea of meditation and contemplation play a major role in the paintings of artist Craig Carlisle. His paintings articulate inde...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Oil, Linen
“Traveling Together” 2012 colorful Abstract oil on board Armenian Artist VATCHE
Located in Rancho Santa Fe, CA
“Traveling Together” is a colorful, abstract, surrealist painting by Armenian artist, Vatche Geuvdjelian painted in 2012.
Artist’s Statement
“𝘛𝘩�...
Category
2010s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Board, Oil
All in bloom. VIII one of a kind blue painting, Painting, Acrylic on Paper
By Sia Aryai
Located in Yardley, PA
Abstract vibrant blue framed art This bold, brushstroke hand-cut parchment works great as an abstract statement piece everywhere from entryways to guest bedrooms. The painting is...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
Two faced, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
TITLE - Two faced DIMENSION : 24 x 24 inches “Why does everyone have to be so two-faced? I’d rather have an enemy who admits they hate me, instead of someone who secretly puts me down.†DETAILS : - Artwork will be carefully packaged ready for delivery with Tracking Number. - You will receive the artwork "Ready to Hang", the canvas is stretched on a wooden frame. - High quality acrylic, UV varnish. - Includes a certificate of authenticity signed by the artist. NOTES : - Every piece of mine has it’s own personality ! This is a unique piece of art. - The side of the painting is painted. - The images in context are scale approximately. I recommend you to measure the dimensions with your tape to visualize the artwork in your space. THANKS for your interest in my art! I will be happy to create a unique custom piece in any size. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or just to say hi when you purchase your piece. I hope my artworks will bring some joy and thoughtfulness to you. Copyright ©POOVI ART...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
BURNING HOUSE, Painting, Oil on Canvas
By Bill Stone
Located in Yardley, PA
A house on fire burns in many ways. :: Painting :: Surrealism :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready to Hang: Yes :: Signed: Y...
Category
Early 2000s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Oil
The Meeting -15-02-22, Painting, Oil on Other
By Corne Akkers
Located in Yardley, PA
Landscapes of Old This oil ‘The Meeting’ has a long story. Ages ago, before my cubist and roundistic revolution, I was more into landscapes and surrealism. Even though I already sketched models I feel like I did more landscapes and cityscapes than now. One of the last oil paintings I made was ‘Autumn Tree at Laren (2013)’. The urge for painting trees suddenly came to a standstill and was replaced by the love for the female form. Pandemic Gone, New Beginning Now I am sitting here behind my desk, writing this art statement. Our current Secretary of State for Health Ernst Kuipers declared the end of the pandemic yesterday. Next to this I long for Spring more than I ever did and want to do landscapes again. It is not a coincidence when you clean up your house certain artefacts come popping up. Cleaning up means emptying your mind to make space for something new. Springtime This landscape of a windmill from above I started back in 2011. I put that oil face...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Oil
French Contemporary Art By Helen Uter - Chiens N.2
By Helen Uter
Located in Paris, IDF
Oil on canvas
Helen Uter is an established Franco-American painter born in 1955 who lives and works in Donnery, near Orléans, France. Heavily influenced by Edward Hopper, she creat...
Category
1990s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
French Contemporary Art By Helen Uter - Chiens N.5
By Helen Uter
Located in Paris, IDF
Oil on canvas
Helen Uter is an established Franco-American painter born in 1955 who lives and works in Donnery, near Orléans, France. Heavily influenced by Edward Hopper, she creat...
Category
1990s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Windy Days, Original Contemporary Surrealist Painting
Located in Boston, MA
Windy Days
31.5 x 39.5 x 0.75, 5.0 lbs
Acrylic on canvas
Hand signed by artist
Artist's Commentary:
"The whimsical painting allows one to daydream. One views the colours and images...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
Marvel.IV Abstract silver leaf framed painting, Painting, Acrylic on Paper
By Sia Aryai
Located in Yardley, PA
Gold leaf is brilliant for modern painting. Brings to life elegant details that appear as an icon. Painting is 12X16.5†acrylic with a dash of gold leaf with a twist on heav...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
Marvel. VI gold leaf abstract framed painting, Painting, Acrylic on Paper
By Sia Aryai
Located in Yardley, PA
Gold leaf is brilliant for modern painting. Brings to life elegant details that appear as an icon. Painting is 12X16.5†acrylic with a dash of gold leaf with a twist on heav...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
Totemic Gathering, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
This work was inspired by the universal occurrence of totemic shapes going back to pre-history. This large, signature piece needs a feature wall to do justice to its strong shapes an...
Category
2010s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
Nevia, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
A beautiful woman with a strange birthmark looks at us with her deep stare. Her skin is permanently stained with a tangle of red roses from where a lovely great tit pops out. This ar...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
Industrial Scene Acid Glove, Drafsman's Pencil and Piping - Fortune Magazine
Located in Miami, FL
Surrealist ad where a gloved human hand rises in pictorial height to the size of a chemical plant. Tension is created as Drafsman's Pencil is about to t...
Category
1960s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Oil, Board
Organic Mechanism 2014 colorful large abstract oil Surrealist oc Armenian Artist
Located in Rancho Santa Fe, CA
"Organic Mechanism"
Date: 2014-2015
Abstract oil painting on canvas (oc)
Vatche is an Armenian artist living in Mexico.
Artist’s Statement
“𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘦𝘦 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘰𝘳�...
Category
2010s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Cotton Canvas, Oil
Highness
Located in Fairfield, CT
Represented by George Billis Gallery, NYC & LA -- The idea of meditation and contemplation play a major role in the paintings of artist Craig Carlisle. His paintings articulate indel...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Wood, Oil
"Murmur of tender leaves", Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
© Paulo Jimenez 2021. :: Painting :: Surrealism :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready to Hang: Yes :: Signed: Yes :: Signat...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Oil
Love
Located in Fairfield, CT
Represented by George Billis Gallery, NYC & LA -- The idea of meditation and contemplation play a major role in the paintings of artist Craig Carlisle. His paintings articulate indel...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Wood, Oil
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.