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Surrealist Photography

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
Tribeca Street Photography with New York City Reflections
Located in Miami, FL
A typical street scene in New York City's Tribeca neighborhood is photographed unexpectedly. Pedestrians are depicted walking in front of a reflective surface, which results in a typ...
Category

2010s Surrealist Photography

Materials

Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment

Broken Shell Beach
Located in Boston, MA
Additional sizes and pricing available upon request. Artist commentary: There is an incredible world that exists at the tide line. This piece recalls the mix of broken shells, sea weeds and tiny organisms that wash up...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment, Archival Paper

"Adam" Black & White Photography 24" x 24" in Edition 2/15 by Olha Stepanian
Located in Culver City, CA
"Adam" Photography 24" x 24" in Edition 2/15 by Olha Stepanian Printed on Epson Professional Paper Signed and numbered by the artist Not framed. Ships in a tube. Available sizes...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

Muscular Male and Leggy Female Figure on the Roof
Located in Miami, FL
This is a self-portrait with a 1950s girly cut-out set against a dramatic tropical sky. It's is a straight shot. The camera is on a tripod while the photographer slides over to bec...
Category

1980s Surrealist Photography

Materials

Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment

"Modern Traditions 1" Photography 24" x 24" inch Edition 1/15 by Olha Stepanian
Located in Culver City, CA
"Modern Traditions 1" Photography 24" x 24" inch Edition 1/15 by Olha Stepanian Printed on Epson Professional Paper Signed and numbered by the artist Not framed. Ships in a tube. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

"DNA Revolution" Photography 36 x 24" in Edition of 5 by Alina Karo
Located in Culver City, CA
"DNA Revolution" Photography 36 x 24" in Edition of 5 by Alina Karo "DNA Revolution" From 7 Deadly Sins series by Alina Karo Aluminum 36” x 24” Edit...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Photography

Materials

Metal

Untitled - (High heel shoe with Eiffel Tower)
Located in Denton, TX
Edition of 15 Signed, dated and numbered in pencil on print verso by Chema Madoz Paper size: 24 x 19 3/4 in., Image size: 22 3/4 x 18 in. Chema Madoz is one of the most important co...
Category

1990s Surrealist Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Rosemary Ellis Power Station Gelatin Silver Photograph for book Pipes and Wires
Located in London, GB
One from a series of photographs we have listed, to see the others scroll down to 'More from this seller' and click on 'View all from seller' and then search. Rosemary Ellis Power S...
Category

1970s Surrealist Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Rosemary Ellis Dam III Gelatin Silver Photograph Proof Print for Bodley Head
Located in London, GB
We acquired a series of photographs from Rosemary Ellis's studio. To find more from this series scroll down to "More from this Seller" and below it click on "See all from this Seller...
Category

1970s Surrealist Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Rosemary Ellis Pipes Gelatin Silver Photograph Proof Print for published book
Located in London, GB
We acquired a series of photographs from Rosemary Ellis's studio. To find more from this series scroll down to "More from this Seller" and below it click on "See all from this Seller...
Category

1970s Surrealist Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Rosemary Ellis Pool Gelatin Silver Photograph Print for book: Pipes and Wires
Located in London, GB
We acquired a series of photographs from Rosemary Ellis's studio. To find more from this series scroll down to "More from this Seller" and below it click on "See all from this Seller...
Category

1970s Surrealist Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Rosemary Ellis Pool II Gelatin Silver Photograph Print proof for book
Located in London, GB
We acquired a series of photographs from Rosemary Ellis's studio. To find more from this series scroll down to "More from this Seller" and below it click on "See all from this Seller...
Category

1970s Surrealist Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Rosemary Ellis Dam VI Surreal Photograph Silver Gelatin Print for Bodley Head
Located in London, GB
We acquired a series of photographs from Rosemary Ellis's studio. To find more from this series scroll down to "More from this Seller" and below it click on "See all from this Seller...
Category

1970s Surrealist Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Rosemary Ellis Windows IV Gelatin Silver Photograph Print Gothic Ruin
Located in London, GB
We acquired a series of photographs from Rosemary Ellis's studio. To find more from this series scroll down to "More from this Seller" and below it click on "See all from this Seller...
Category

1970s Surrealist Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Rosemary Ellis Wires II Gelatin Silver Photograph for book: Pipes and Wires
Located in London, GB
One from a series of photographs we have listed, to see the others scroll down to 'More from this seller' and click on 'View all from seller' and then search. Rosemary Ellis Wires I...
Category

1970s Surrealist Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Rosemary Ellis Power Station Gelatin Silver Photograph for book Pipes and Wires
Located in London, GB
One from a series of photographs we have listed, to see the others scroll down to 'More from this seller' and click on 'View all from seller' and then search. Rosemary Ellis Power S...
Category

1970s Surrealist Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Rosemary Ellis Pipes VII Gelatin Silver Print for book: Pipes and Wires
Located in London, GB
From a series of similar photographs, to see the others scroll down to 'see all from seller'. Rosemary Ellis (1910-1938) Pipes VII Original proof photograph for 'Pipes and Wires' in...
Category

1970s Surrealist Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Rosemary Ellis Windows II Gelatin Silver Print for book: Windows
Located in London, GB
From a series of photographs, to see the others scroll down to 'sell all from this seller'. Rosemary Ellis (1910-1988) Windows II Original proof photograph for Windows in the Outloo...
Category

1970s Surrealist Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Rosemary Ellis Pipes VI Gelatin Silver Print surreal published photograph
Located in London, GB
Rosemary Ellis Pipes VI Original photography for Pipes and Wires in the Outlooks and Insights series published by Bodley Head, composed by Rosemary & Charlotte Ellis. Gelatin Silver ...
Category

1970s Surrealist Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Rosemary Ellis Windows III Gelatin Silver Print for book: Windows
Located in London, GB
From a series of similar photographs by Rosemary Ellis. To see the others, scroll down to "More from this Seller" and below it click on "See all from this seller" and search for Elli...
Category

1970s Surrealist Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

"Ballet" Black & White Photography 39" x 39" in Edition of 3 by Olha Stepanian
Located in Culver City, CA
"Ballet" Black & White Photography 39" x 39" in Edition of 3 by Olha Stepanian Printed on Epson Professional Paper Signed and numbered by the artist Not framed. Ships in a tube. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

Rosemary Ellis Windows IX Silver Gelatin Photograph Print Gothic Architecture
Located in London, GB
Rosemary Ellis (1910-1988) Windows IX Original proof photograph for Windows in the Outlooks and Insights series published by Bodley Head, by Rosemary & Charlotte Ellis. Silver Gelati...
Category

1970s Surrealist Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Rosemary Ellis Windows XIII Gelatin Silver Photograph Print horse stable
Located in London, GB
Rosemary Ellis (1910-1988) Windows XIII Original proof photograph for Windows in the Outlooks and Insights series published by Bodley Head, by Rosemary & Charlotte Ellis. Silver Gela...
Category

1970s Surrealist Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Rosemary Ellis Windows XVIII Silver Gelatin Photograph Print Surreal published
Located in London, GB
We acquired a series of photographs from Rosemary Ellis's studio. To find more from this series scroll down to "More from this Seller" and below it click on "See all from this Seller...
Category

1970s Surrealist Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Rosemary Ellis Pipes V Gelatin Silver Photograph Print 1975 Surreal Pipes
Located in London, GB
Rosemary Ellis (1910-1988) Pipes V Original photography for Pipes and Wires in the Outlooks and Insights series published by Bodley Head, composed by Rosemary & Charlotte Ellis. Gela...
Category

1970s Surrealist Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

“In the Howling Storm” Photography 30" x 20" inch Edition of 5 by Brian Ziff
Located in Culver City, CA
“In the Howling Storm” Photography 30" x 20" inch Edition of 5 by Brian Ziff Giclee (Archival Ink) Print on Canson Platine Fibre Rag Brian Ziff's...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Photography

Materials

Archival Ink, Rag Paper, Giclée

"Ballet" Black & White Photography 31" x 31" in Edition of 7 by Olha Stepanian
Located in Culver City, CA
"Ballet" Black & White Photography 31" x 31" in Edition of 7 by Olha Stepanian Printed on Epson Professional Paper Signed and numbered by the artist Not framed. Ships in a tube. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

The New New York Skyline - Chrysler Building
Located in Miami, FL
The New New York Skyline with Chrysler Building is depicted in shimmering sliver light and set against a deep cobalt blue sky. It incorporates the newly constructed supertalls: One...
Category

2010s Surrealist Photography

Materials

Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment

"Black Moon" Black & White Photography 31" x 31" in Ed. of 7 by Olha Stepanian
Located in Culver City, CA
"Black Moon" Black & White Photography 31" x 31" in Ed. of 7 by Olha Stepanian Printed on Epson Professional Paper Signed and numbered by the artist Not framed. Ships in a tube. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

"I am" Black & White Photography 24" x 24" in Edition of 15 by Olha Stepanian
Located in Culver City, CA
"I am" Black & White Photography 24" x 24" in Edition of 15 by Olha Stepanian Printed on Epson Professional Paper Signed and numbered by the artist Not framed. Ships in a tube. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

New York City Skyline Supertalls in the Most Eye Dazzling Dramatic Sunset
Located in Miami, FL
There have been many color photographs of the New York skyline, but this masterfully lit and high-impact image by Mitchell Funk dazzles the eye and engages the mind more than any on...
Category

2010s Surrealist Photography

Materials

Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment

"One Heart" Black & White Photography 39" x 39" in Ed. of 3 by Olha Stepanian
Located in Culver City, CA
"One Heart" Black & White Photography 39" x 39" in Ed. of 3 by Olha Stepanian Printed on Epson Professional Paper Signed and numbered by the artist Not framed. Ships in a tube. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

"The Battle of Orgreave (after Pieter Bruegel the Elder" Simon Procter C-print
Located in Boca Raton, FL
"The Battle of Orgreave (after Pieter Bruegel the Elder)" C-print by fine art photographer Simon Procter. Mounted on an aluminum panel with pl...
Category

2010s Surrealist Photography

Materials

C Print

Surreal Black Dog Walks at Central Park with Raking Light: Street Photography
Located in Miami, FL
Street Photography- literally. Early light explodes through two Manhattan skyscrapers on a crisp winter day to illuminate Central Park South from an oblique angle. A black dog is c...
Category

2010s Surrealist Photography

Materials

Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment

“Smoke and Mirrors” (FRAMED) Photography 30" x 24" in Edition 1/12 by Brian Ziff
Located in Culver City, CA
“Smoke and Mirrors” (FRAMED) Photography 30" x 24" in Edition 1/12 by Brian Ziff Giclee (Archival Ink) Print on Canson Platine Fibre Rag American Dreams - From "Playboy" series. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Photography

Materials

Archival Ink, Rag Paper, Giclée

“That Flies in the Night” (FRAMED) Photography 30x20 in Ed. of 5 by Brian Ziff
Located in Culver City, CA
“That Flies in the Night” (FRAMED) Photography 30x20 in Ed. of 5 by Brian Ziff “That Flies in the Night” (2016) Giclee (Archival Ink) Print on Canson Platine Fibre Rag 30” X 20” in...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Photography

Materials

Archival Ink, Rag Paper, Giclée

"Lily 1" Photography 24" x 24" inch Edition 1/15 by Olha Stepanian
Located in Culver City, CA
"Lily 1" Photography 24" x 24" inch Edition 1/15 by Olha Stepanian Printed on Epson Professional Paper Signed and numbered by the artist Not framed. Ships in a tube. Available s...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

“The Invisible Worm” (FRAMED) Photography 20 x 30 in Edition of 5 by Brian Ziff
Located in Culver City, CA
“The Invisible Worm” (FRAMED) Photography 20 x 30 in Edition of 5 by Brian Ziff Giclee (Archival Ink) Print on Canson Platine Fibre Rag 20” X 30” inch Limited Edition of 5 Brian Zi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Photography

Materials

Archival Ink, Rag Paper, Giclée

"Lily 2" Photography 24" x 24" inch Edition 1/15 by Olha Stepanian
Located in Culver City, CA
"Lily 2" Photography 24" x 24" inch Edition 1/15 by Olha Stepanian Printed on Epson Professional Paper Signed and numbered by the artist Not framed. Ships in a tube. Available s...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

Untitled (Paper Globe)
Located in Denton, TX
Edition of 25 Gelatin silver print Signed, dated and numbered in pencil on print verso. Paper size: 16 x 12 in., Image size: 8 1/2 x 7 1/4 in. Printed 2011 Chema Madoz is one of the...
Category

Early 2000s Surrealist Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

"Black Moon" Black & White Photography 24" x 24" in Ed. 2/15 by Olha Stepanian
Located in Culver City, CA
"Black Moon" Black & White Photography 24" x 24" in Ed. 2/15 by Olha Stepanian Printed on Epson Professional Paper Signed and numbered by the artist ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

A Surreal Photographic Paper Print Mounted on Wood Panel, "Dovetail"
Located in San Diego, CA
A 17.25" x 9.25" Surreal Photographic Paper Print Mounted on Wood Panel by artist Annalise Neil. A certificate of authenticity will be provided upon its purchase or delivery. Neil’s...
Category

2010s Surrealist Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

A Surreal Watercolor on Cyanotype, "Recalibration"
Located in San Diego, CA
A one of a kind 18" x 24" Surreal Watercolor on Cyanotype executed by artist Annalise Neil. A certificate of authenticity will be provided upon its...
Category

2010s Surrealist Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

A Toned, Bleached and Traditional Watercolor Cyanotype, "Indexical"
Located in San Diego, CA
A 13" x 17" Toned, Bleached and Traditional Watercolor Cyanotype with Pine Needles and Cotton Thread on Canson Montval 300g Paper Mounted on Wood Panel by artist Annalise Neil. A cer...
Category

2010s Surrealist Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

On Vacation (Couchsurfing Series)
Located in London, GB
Cristina Schek On Vacation, June 2020 - Couchsurfing Series, 2020 Signed certificate of authenticity included Framed Archival Pigment Print Anti-Reflective Museum Glass 76.2 x 107.7 ...
Category

2010s Surrealist Photography

Materials

Digital, Giclée

"Heaven's Creation 1" Photography 24" x 35.5" in Ed. 1/7 by Olha Stepanian
Located in Culver City, CA
"Heaven's Creation 1" Photography 24" x 35.5" in Ed. 1/7 by Olha Stepanian Printed on Epson Professional Paper Signed and numbered by the artist Not framed. Ships in a tube. Oth...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

"Anima Rêveuse" Photography51" x 40" inch Edition 2/3 by Alina Karo
Located in Culver City, CA
"Anima Rêveuse" Photography51" x 40" inch Edition 2/3 by Alina Karo "Anima Rêveuse" Printed on Aluminum - ready to hang 51” x 40” Edition 2/3 Comes with COA VOLLIPSIS series by A...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Photography

Materials

Metal

“Inner Space” Portrait Photography 24" x 24" inch Edition of 24 by Brian Ziff
Located in Culver City, CA
“Inner Space” Portrait Photography 24" x 24" inch Edition of 24 by Brian Ziff Giclee (Archival Ink) Print on Canson Platine Fibre Rag Not framed. Ships in tube. From "Unbearable Lightness...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Photography

Materials

Archival Ink, Rag Paper, Giclée

“Red Bull” Black & White Photography 24" x 24" inch Edition of 24 by Brian Ziff
Located in Culver City, CA
“Red Bull” Black & White Photography 24" x 24" inch Edition of 24 by Brian Ziff Giclee (Archival Ink) Print on Canson Platine Fibre Rag Not framed. Ships in tube. From "Unbearable Lightness...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Photography

Materials

Archival Ink, Rag Paper, Giclée

“Does Thy Life Destroy” (FRAMED) Photography 30 x 20 inch Ed. of 5 by Brian Ziff
Located in Culver City, CA
“Does Thy Life Destroy” (FRAMED) Photography 30 x 20 inch Ed. of 5 by Brian Ziff “Does Thy Life Destroy” (2016) Giclee (Archival Ink) Print on Canson Platine Fibre Rag 30” X 20” inc...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Photography

Materials

Archival Ink, Rag Paper, Giclée

Surreal Kayak Party in Foggy Metaphysical San Francisco Bay with Muted Skyline
Located in Miami, FL
The weather phenomenon that defines San Francisco, fog, separates a party of Kayakers from the iconic skyline. It puts them into an enigmatic limbo-like state. Photographer Mitchell ...
Category

2010s Surrealist Photography

Materials

Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Inkjet, Archival Pigment

Untitled, from the New Mexico Portfolio
By Van Deren Coke
Located in Denton, TX
Edition of 125 Signed and dated in ink on print margin. Photograph is from The New Mexico Portfolio published in 1976 by the Center of the E...
Category

Late 20th Century Surrealist Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Great Egrets in the Bayou
Located in Denton, TX
Edition of 10 Signed and numbered in pencil, and blind stamp on print margin. Signed, titled, dated and print type in pencil on print verso. Paper size: 25 x 20 in., Image size: 20 x...
Category

2010s Surrealist Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

Brian Ziff “O, Rose” (FRAMED) Photography 40" x 40"in Edition of 5 by Brian Ziff
Located in Culver City, CA
Brian Ziff “O, Rose” (FRAMED) Photography 40" x 40"in Edition of 5 by Brian Ziff “O, Rose” (2016) Limited edition of 5 produced using Giclee (Archival Ink) Print on Canson Platine F...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Photography

Materials

Archival Ink, Rag Paper, Giclée

Cactus, Madrid
Located in Denton, TX
Edition of 15 Signed, titled and dated. Toned gelatin silver print Chema Madoz is one of the most important contemporary Spanish photographers, who is greatly known for his monochro...
Category

1990s Surrealist Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Black Cat. Green Eyes
Located in Miami, FL
Besides being mysterious, cats are equally beautiful and unmatched in that regard with anyone else in the animal kingdom. Black Cat. Green Eyes was photogr...
Category

2010s Surrealist Photography

Materials

Archival Paper, Inkjet, Archival Pigment

“Of Crimson Joy” (FRAMED) Photography 20" x 30" in Edition of 1/5 by Brian Ziff
Located in Culver City, CA
“Of Crimson Joy” (FRAMED) Photography 20" x 30" in Edition of 1/5 by Brian Ziff Giclee (Archival Ink) Print on Canson Platine Fibre Rag Brian Ziff's "High Risk" series is part of ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Photography

Materials

Archival Ink, Rag Paper, Giclée

Armenian Mirror
Located in Boca Raton, FL
New York-based, Armenian-born artist, Tigran Tsitoghdzyan, is especially interested in how people interact in this new era of technology and social media. His “Mirrors” series sugges...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

Surrealist photography for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Surrealist photography 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 photography created in this style to introduce contrast in an otherwise neutral space in your home, the works available on 1stDibs include elements of blue, red, orange, purple and other colors. Many Pop art paintings were created by popular artists on 1stDibs, including Mitchell Funk, Rosemary Ellis, Brian Ziff, and FPA Francis Pavy Artist. Frequently made by artists working with Paper, and Photographic Paper 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 photography, so small editions measuring 4.5 inches across are also available. Prices for photography 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 $110 and tops out at $28,800, while the average work sells for $1,750.

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