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
Period: 21st Century and Contemporary
If I Had A Friend, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Scottish terrier wishes for a friend to play with :: Painting :: Surrealism :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready to Hang: Y...
Category
2010s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Oil
Time Hollow, Painting, Oil on Canvas
By Slav Nedev
Located in Yardley, PA
A work (#7) from the ELEMENTS series Why did I call this series elements? Because there is air in it, there is water, there are earth and fire"¦ There are birth, life and death, spri...
Category
2010s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Oil
The Sequence of Life, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
I am fascinated by nature and the calmness it brings. That's where we all belong. That's my inspiration. This painting comes with a contemporary floater frame. It's ready to hang! ...
Category
2010s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Oil
Bulb of Africa 2
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
4477 Brave horsemen heroes old, Painting, Oil on Canvas
By Andres Vivo
Located in Yardley, PA
Many referencial heroes like Napoleon, Garibaldi,Don Quijote ...cowboys,explorers, etc who did on horseback. :: Painting :: Surrealism :: This piece comes with an official certifica...
Category
2010s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Oil
Dream in Pink Modern Cuban Art Hyperrealism Mixed Media Surreal
Located in Houston, TX
LOOK FOR FREE SHIPPING AT CHECKOUT.
Dreams in Pink was recently painted by the Cuban artist Brian Sanchez in 2023. It is oil and mixed media on linen .Dreams in Pink by Brian Sanchez shows the hyperrealism of modern Cuban art...
Category
2010s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil
Tilo I, Large Abstract Oil Painting on Canvas by Eduardo Arranz-Bravo
Located in Long Island City, NY
Catalonian painter Eduardo Arranz-Bravo is an artist sparking revolutionary abstraction in the contemporary art scene. Drawing influence from the Surrealist workings of late greats l...
Category
2010s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
The Glory of the Past, Painting, Oil on Canvas
By Esam Jlilati
Located in Yardley, PA
The Painting title: The Glory of the Past Medium: original oil color on canvas canvas size is approximately, 32"x 26" painting size: 28" x 22" ~ 72cm x 56cm (Artwork is st...
Category
2010s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Oil
Interior Jungle - Original Unique Artwork
Located in London, GB
Interior Jungle 2021
Original Unique Artwork
oil on linen
Interior Jungle 2021
oil on linen 46 x 36 cm
A figure surreal looking figure seemingly without a face sits on a red and white patterned sofa in an interior.
Sarah Jeffries...
Category
2010s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Oil
CABINET OF CURIOSITIES - original large painting by Paula Craioveanu oil Surreal
Located in Forest Hills, NY
"Cabinet of Curiosities"
Oil on canvas
Large original, one-of-a-kind, painting 39x27in
Shipped stretched directly from the artist's studio.
Part of my Interior series, with an addition of a large surreal antique head of Venus...
Category
2010s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
"Elizabeth's Hat", Oleg Turchin, Figurative, 58x63 in, Baroque Hat Series, Oil
By Oleg Turchin
Located in Dallas, TX
"Elizabeth's Hat" by Oleg Turchin is a Figurative Surrealism original oil on canvas painting measuring 58x63 in. This painting is of the Late Queen Elizabeth's life. The queen is bea...
Category
2010s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Rise Up Anyway!
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Even when the heaviness and challenge offered in life blocks your view, rise up anyway.
This was personal. Each time there is a a challenge, for me to rise u...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Gesso, Linen, Acrylic
4224 The batlle, Painting, Oil on Canvas
By Andres Vivo
Located in Yardley, PA
In the heat of the independence, locals fighting spanish colonizers. Uruguay first fought against Spain and later on against the brazilian. We also hat to get rid of british invador...
Category
2010s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Oil
4500 Transformaciones, Painting, Oil on Canvas
By Andres Vivo
Located in Yardley, PA
Picture belonging to my human behaviour series Related to human rights Inspired by the dramatic artworks of Francisco Goya :: Painting :: Surrealism :: This piece comes with an off...
Category
2010s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Oil
Mother love, Painting, Oil on Canvas
By Esam Jlilati
Located in Yardley, PA
Original oil painting on canvas, Modern Art, Surrealism The Painting title: Mother's love Deutsch: Mutterliebe French: l'amour maternel Spanish: amor de madre Italian: l'am...
Category
2010s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Oil
Cheerleader 1
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Always be your BIGGEST cheerleader, first. Remember to stay true to yourself and have faith in yourself. Even on difficult days, never give up on making your dreams happen. Go after ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
The Last Tree
Located in Palm Desert, CA
What would the last tree do? Would it come through a window, a door?
There are several of the works that I have generated that express the deep concern I hold for our home planet.
Th...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Pastel, Acrylic, Board
Enjoy Life #2
Located in Singapore, SG
Many people feel that life is heavy with all its problems and complexities. Whereas the beauty of life can be found in simple things such as the sight of small children playing in th...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary 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
4710 Jineteadas-horse riding, Painting, Oil on Canvas
By Andres Vivo
Located in Yardley, PA
Confussion of horse riders and other equines. Batlle dispersion, caos and rush outs. Inspired by the dramatic artworks of the spanish master Francisco Goya :: Painting :: Surrealism ...
Category
2010s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Oil
Enjoy Life #1
Located in Singapore, SG
Many people feel that life is heavy with all its problems and complexities. Whereas the beauty of life can be found in simple things such as the sight of small children playing in th...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Canvas, 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
4580 Transformaciones 2, Painting, Oil on Canvas
By Andres Vivo
Located in Yardley, PA
Its about human behaviour that has never changed, but today things are visible and politically accepted. Inspired by Goya´s dramatic art works. :: Painting :: Surrealism :: This ...
Category
2010s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Oil
4570 Transformaciones 2, Painting, Oil on Canvas
By Andres Vivo
Located in Yardley, PA
A study of human social behaviour. Inspired by the artworks of the famous spanish master Francisco Goya :: Painting :: Surrealism :: This piece comes with an official certificate of...
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
324 The red devil, Painting, Oil on Canvas
By Andres Vivo
Located in Yardley, PA
Belongs to my art works of the 90´s . Inspired by the obscure,tragical and dramatic artworks of the spanish master Francisco Goya. :: Painting :: Surrealism :: This piece comes with...
Category
2010s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Oil
2873 The ilussionist tamer, Painting, Oil on Canvas
By Andres Vivo
Located in Yardley, PA
Belongs to my "human behaviour series" .Inspired by the dramatics artworks of Francisco Goya. :: Painting :: Surrealism :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authentic...
Category
2010s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Oil
4579 Transformaciones 3, Painting, Oil on Canvas
By Andres Vivo
Located in Yardley, PA
A sensitive study of our society.Belongs to my human and social behaviour series. :: Painting :: Surrealism :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by...
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
4510 Human figures, Painting, Oil on Canvas
By Andres Vivo
Located in Yardley, PA
Belongs to my human social behaviour conducts series. Inspired by the crude realities that Francisco Goya painted :: Painting :: Surrealism :: This piece comes with an official certi...
Category
2010s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Oil
4600 Transformaciones-All together, Painting, Oil on Canvas
By Andres Vivo
Located in Yardley, PA
A study of human behaviour today Inspired by the dramatic artworks of the famous spanish master Francisco Goya. :: Painting :: Surrealism :: This piece comes with an official cert...
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
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
Guardian of the Ancestral Land
Located in Singapore, SG
We believe in life after death, where the spirits of our ancestors reside. In Javanese tradition, they believe that ancestral spirits are always with us and take care of us even thou...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Heavenly garden at night - Acrylic painting Pop art Vibrant colors Polish artist
Located in Warsaw, PL
ABOUT THE ARTIST
MARTA RYNKIEWICZ is a Polish contemporary artist (born in 1983).
She studied painting with Professor Henryk Czenik and graphic arts with Professor Jerzy Krechowic...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
Icarus - Acrylic painting Pop art Vibrant colors Polish artist
Located in Warsaw, PL
ABOUT THE ARTIST
MARTA RYNKIEWICZ is a Polish contemporary artist (born in 1983).
She studied painting with Professor Henryk Czenik and graphic arts with Professor Jerzy Krechowic...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
Venice original oil color surreal artwork, Painting, Oil on Canvas
By Esam Jlilati
Located in Yardley, PA
The Painting title: Venice Deutsch: Venedig French: Venise Italian: Venezia Artist: Esam Jlilati Medium: original oil color Size: painting 18" x 14" Canvas size 20"...
Category
2010s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Oil
Family
Located in Singapore, SG
The ideal family life is like a fairy tale where parents give love to their children unconditionally. A harmonious family environment can be described as one full of flowers in the b...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Golden, Painting, Oil on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
An original piece from the series "Please do not kill butterflies", pins and oil on thick paper mounted on a wood panel. Please, all these dead animals ... Of course, not every o...
Category
2010s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Oil
A Possibility Garden
Located in Palm Desert, CA
So many layers, such texture and at each one, I did not like some of what was happening. So, another layer entered, and then another. Finally, the story it wanted to tell took shape....
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Ink, Acrylic, Gouache
In Hale Liberation. Ex Hale Limitation.
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Abstract. Philosophical. Colorful.
This piece flew together. The brushstrokes nearly flew from my hand to the Board. The colors demanded to play. But a name just did not show up.
I...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Paste, Gesso, Acrylic, Board
The Masterpiece: Dharma
Located in Palm Desert, CA
The Sakyamuni (Historical) Buddha is credited with developing the teaching known as The Dharma.
For me, that teaching is a masterpiece. Perfect understanding of the human condition a...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Linen, Acrylic
Surrealism Original Oil On Canvas "Sky Incantation 1"
Located in New York, NY
This is an oil painting painted by HaiJun Chen, a Chinese Surrealist artist. This painting is in excellent condition and is directly from the artist.
We offer in-house framing if y...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Oil
Don't look for me - Oil painting Pop art Vibrant colors Polish artist
Located in Warsaw, PL
ABOUT THE ARTIST
MARTA RYNKIEWICZ is a Polish contemporary artist (born in 1983).
She studied painting with Professor Henryk Czenik and graphic arts with Professor Jerzy Krechowic...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Oil, Canvas
Aquarius, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Aquarius, the Water Bearer that floods the desert to bear fruit. :: Painting :: Surrealism :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Re...
Category
2010s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Oil
Woman in my life, Painting, Oil on Canvas
By Esam Jlilati
Located in Yardley, PA
The Painting title: Woman in my life Femme dans ma vie Frau in meinem Leben donna della mia vita mujer de mi vida Medium: oil color Size:18" x 14" Subject: A woman i...
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
The Choices
Located in Singapore, SG
Smart people learn from their own mistakes while wise people learn from the mistakes of others. Options have always existed throughout the history of human life. Sometimes the choice...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Very Large French Surrealist Contemporary Painting Abstract Figures Embracing
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
French Surrealist artist, late 20th century/ early 21st.
acrylic and pen painting on board, unframed
board: 29.5 x 41.5 inches
provenance: private collection, France
condition: very...
Category
Early 2000s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Acrylic, Pen
"Our Lady of the Foam", John Stephens, Acrylic Painting, Surrealism, 24x30
Located in Dallas, TX
This John Stephens original acrylic on panel painting measures 24x30 in and is available for $27,500. "Our Lady of the Foam" features a woman inside a greek mythology dome covered in...
Category
2010s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Panel, Acrylic
Shaohua Nong Surrealist Original Oil On Canvas "Untitled 44"
Located in New York, NY
Title: Untitled 44
Medium: Oil on canvas
Size: 11.5 x 8 inches
Frame: Framing options available!
Condition: The painting appears to be in excellent condition.
Year: 2014
Artist: Shaohua Nong...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Oil
Castle, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
This surreal painting was created using oil paint on canvas. It measures 24x30 inches, with a depth of 0.75 in. The sides were painted so it may hang without a frame though it wo...
Category
2010s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Oil
Carp, Painting, Oil on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
The medieval illustrators represented animals that they had never seen, described by others, or derived from mythology. This generated monstrous creatures. From here comes the idea o...
Category
2010s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Oil
Superbloom
Located in West Hollywood, CA
"Superbloom" is made with acrylic, oil pastel, paper, glitter, thread and clay on canvas and paper mache. This bright and vividly colored sculptural painting is a perfect example of the power of unrestrained creativity.
INSPIRATION BEHIND THE WORK - What began as an experiment in creating rose petals slowly evolved into this deconstructed "Superbloom". At the center of these petals is a seemingly chaotic arrangement of color and texture. Yet, from slow observation, patterns and repetition emerge. What can be easily grouped into a "whole" is actually a balancing act of orchestrated parts - the same as every living organism we observe. There is a mystery to be savored in every act of living - as well as in viewing the traces of life left behind. "Superbloom" was made in love of the former, and leaves behind the latter. We'll never fully understand all the bits of a rose, or all the brushstrokes of a painting, but we're always welcome to bask in the sunshine that is loving without knowing.
ABOUT THE ARTIST: Los Angeles based artist, Megan Dune...
Category
2010s Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Clay, Canvas, Thread, Paper, Oil Pastel, Glitter, Acrylic
Coming Home Song
Located in Cazadero, CA
The Canvas has. a Steel Frame
Picture upon request
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Clay, Canvas, Paint, Charcoal, Pastel
The Way to Believe
Located in Singapore, SG
Inspired by the heated political situation ahead of the presidential election in Indonesia in 2019, where two warring factions split society into two. They attacked each other in th...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
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
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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