86 Famous Surrealist Artists: The Definitive Ranking

11of 86

Remedios Varo 1908–1963

Spansk-meksikansk Born in Anglès Para-surrealisme Wikipedia in 19/32 languages

I atelierets stille hjørner arbeidet Remedios Varo med en grundighet som speilet de tekniske tegningene til hennes far, en hydraulisk ingeniør. Hennes oppvekst i Anglès, Spania, ga et fundament av dualitet. Hun beveget seg gjennom verden med et nysgjerrig blikk, og absorberte landskapene fra sine hyppige flyttinger og den formelle utdannelsen hun mottok ved Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando i Madrid.

12of 86

Leonora Carrington 1917–2011

Britisk-mexicansk Born in Clayton-le-Woods Surrealisme Wikipedia in 22/32 languages

Født som Mary Leonora Carrington i 1917, midt i det frodige landskapet i Clayton Woods i Lancashire, England, var kunstneren som skulle bli en sentral skikkelse innen surrealismen, fra sine tidligste år et individ som skilte seg ut. Utvisninger fra to skoler – inkludert New Hall School i Chelmsford – varslet om et opprørsk lynne, en nektelse av å bli formet av konvensjonelle normer.

13of 86

Yves Tanguy 1900–1955

Fransk-Amerikansk Born in 8. arrondissement Surrealisme Wikipedia in 26/32 languages

Et avgjørende øyeblikk inntraff i 1923 da han, mens han satt på en buss gjennom Paris, fikk et glimt av malerier av Giorgio de Chirico. Verker som “Slowly Toward The North” (1942) eksemplifiserer denne hjemsøkende kvaliteten, og trekker seeren inn i en øde, men likevel merkelig fengslende verden.

14of 86

Dorothea Tanning 1910–2012

Amerikansk Born in Galesburg Surrealisme Wikipedia in 20/32 languages

Dorothea Margaret Tanning, født 25. august 1910 i Galesburg, Illinois, sprang ut av en slekt med svenske immigranter, og arvet en stille styrke som skulle ligge som et subtilt fundament under hennes dristige og fantasifulle kunst. Et kort opphold ved Knox College i 1928–30 veket plass for dragningen mot Chicago, og deretter, i 1935, den pulserende energien i New York City.

15of 86

Leonor Fini 1907–1996

Argentinsk-italiensk Born in Buenos Aires Surrealisme Wikipedia in 16/32 languages

I 1949 konseptualiserte hun og designet Le rêve de Leonor (“Leonor’s Dream”), en ballett koreografert av Frederick Ashton med musikk av Benjamin Britten – et vitnesbyrd om hennes evne til å oversette sin kunstneriske visjon til et annet medium. Hun overlevde mange av sine samtidige, og opprettholdt en aktiv karriere langt inn i livet, som kulminerte i en retrospektiv utstilling på Musée du Luxembourg i Paris (1986) som tiltrakk seg enorme folkemengder.

16of 86

André Masson 1896–1987

Fransk Born in Balagny-sur-Thérain ['Surrealisme', 'Kubisme'] Wikipedia in 21/32 languages

André Masson, født den 4. januar 1896 i Balagny-sur-Thérain utenfor Paris, var en kunstner hvis navn er sterkt knyttet til både surrealismen og utviklingen av abstraksjon i det 20. århundres kunst. Massons kunstneriske reise begynte da han var bare elleve år gammel, da han ble sendt til den kongelige kunstakademiet i Brussel under veiledningen av Constant Montald.

17of 86

Meret Oppenheim 1913–1985

Sveitsisk-tysk Born in Berlin Surrealisme Wikipedia in 18/32 languages

Meret Oppenheim ble født i Berlin i 1913, men hennes kunstneriske reise ble dypt preget av flyttingen til Delémont i Sveits, som følge av farens militærtjeneste under første verdenskrig. Hennes navn er hentet fra Meretlein i Gottfried Kellers "Den grønne Henrik". Meret Oppenheim flyttet til Paris i 1932, hvor hun studerte ved Académie de la Grande Chaumière og begynte å forme sitt unike kunstneriske uttrykk.

18of 86

Wifredo Lam 1902–1982

Cuban Born in Sagua la Grande Surrealism, Cubism Wikipedia in 16/32 languages

Wifredo Óscar de la Concepción Lam y Castilla, kjent mest som Wifredo Lam, var en maler som gjenspeilte kompleksiteten i kulturell identitet på 1900-tallet. Han ble født i Sagua La Grande, Cuba, i 1902, og hans egen linje nedstammet fra kinesiske immigranter og en mor som sporet sine røtter tilbake til spanske konquistadører og slavegjorte afrikanere.

19of 86

Victor Brauner 1903–1966

Rumensk-fransk Born in Piatra Neamț Surrealisme Wikipedia in 14/32 languages

Victor Brauner, født i Piatra Neamt i Romania i 1903, la ut på en kunstnerisk reise dypt sammenvevd med spirituelle strømninger og en rastløs utforskning av form. Dragningen mot Paris viste seg uimotståelig, og Brauner foretok sin første reise dit i legende 1925, for så å vende tilbake igjen i 1927.

20of 86

Roberto Matta 1911–2002

Chilensk Born in Santiago ['Surrealisme', 'Abstrakt ekspresjonisme'] Wikipedia in 15/32 languages

Født: 11. november 1911, Santiago, Chile Død: 23. mars 2002, Civitavecchia, Italia Roberto Sebastián Antonio Matta Echaurren, bedre kjent som Roberto Matta, var en chilensk maler og arkitekt som satte dype spor i både abstrakt ekspresjonisme og surrealistisk kunst. Han studerte ved Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile og ble uteksaminert i 1935, en bakgrunn som kom til å prege hans forståelse av rom og struktur.

21of 86

Felix Nussbaum 1904–1944

Tysk-jødisk Born in Osnabrück Surrealism, Ny Objektivitet Wikipedia in 17/32 languages

He actively sought out new influences, drawn to the unsettling dreamscapes of Giorgio de Chirico and Carlo Carrà, pioneers of the pittura metafisica movement. The careful attention to color demonstrated by Carl Hofer's expressionist paintings also left a lasting impression on Nussbaum’s approach. Nussbaum’s artistic journey began with formal studies in Hamburg and Berlin in 1920, continuing for as long as circumstances allowed.

22of 86

Joseph Cornell 1903–1972

Amerikansk Born in Nyack Assemblasje, Surrealisme Wikipedia in 14/32 languages

While he largely eschewed formal art training, he drew inspiration from the Surrealists, particularly their exploration of dreams, chance, and the subconscious. However, Cornell’s work remained fundamentally rooted in his own personal experiences and emotional landscape. He was also deeply affected by European avant-garde movements, including Constructivism and Dadaism, which emphasized abstraction, geometric forms, and the use of industrial materials.

23of 86

Ernst Fuchs 1930–2015

Austrian Born in Wien Fantastic Realism Wikipedia in 16/32 languages

Fuchs’ artistic vision drew heavily from the masters of his time—Klimt, Schiele, Munch, Picasso—artists who explored psychological depth and visual richness. Munch & Picasso: Edvard Munch’s unsettling landscapes and Pablo Picasso’s fragmented forms served as inspiration for Fuchs’ exploration of emotion and visual distortion. He adopted the mischtechnik (mixed technique), reviving egg tempera alongside oil paints mixed with resin, achieving a jewel-like effect reminiscent of old masters like Albrecht Altdorfer, Albrecht Dürer, Matthias Grünewald and Martin Schongauer.

24of 86

Paul Delvaux 1897–1994

Belgisk Born in Huy Surrealisme Wikipedia in 24/32 languages

Paul Delvaux trådte inn i verden den 23. september 1897 i Antheit, et sted i den belgiske provinsen Liège som siden har blitt en del av Wanze. Født i Antheit, i den belgiske provinsen Liège, vokste den unge Paul Delvaux opp i et miljø preget av strukturert læring. Han søkte veiledning hos etablerte skikkelser og studerte under Constant Montald, Alfred Bastien og Jean Delville.

25of 86

Dora Maar 1907–1997

French Born in 6th arrondissement of Paris Surrealist Photography Wikipedia in 22/32 languages

She began her artistic journey formally at the École de Beaux-Arts and the Académie Julian in Paris, honing her skills in painting before gravitating towards photography. Collaboration with Kéfer and Cartier-Bresson: A pivotal moment arrived in 1930 when she joined forces with Pierre Kéfer, establishing a shared studio that became a hub for artistic experimentation. Political Activism: Her participation in demonstrations, convocations, and the signing of manifestos like ‘When Surrealists Were Right’ demonstrated her unwavering commitment to anti-fascist causes.

26of 86

Elsa Schiaparelli 1890–1973

Italiensk Born in Roma Surrealist fashion

Hennes far, Celestino Schiaparelli, en anerkjent forsker innen islamsk studier og sanskrit, skapte et miljø rikt på læring, mens hennes onkel, astronomen Giovanni Schiaparelli – kjent for sine observasjoner av Mars’ “kanaler” – vekket en livslang fascinasjon for kosmos og det ukonvensjonelle i henne.

27of 86

Paul Nash 1889–1946

Britisk Born in Kensington Modernisme, Surrealisme

Paul Nash, født i Kensington, London i 1889, var en kunstner hvis blikk fanget både den engelske landskapets skjønnhet og krigens gru. Etter utdanning ved Parsons School of Art og Slade School of Fine Art, viste Nash tidlig et talent for landskapsmaleri, selv om figurtegning var en større utfordring.

28of 86

Luis Royo born 1954

Spansk Born in Olalla Fantasy illustrasjon

Luis Royo, født i 1954 i den fredelige landsby Olalla i provinsen Teruel i Spania, er en sentral figur i fantasyillustrasjonens verden. Denne synligheten åpnet dører til samarbeid med store amerikanske utgivere, inkludert Tor Books, Berkley Books, Avon og Bantam Books, hvor han skapte skreddersydde omslagsillustrasjoner for en rekke romaner innen fantasy og science fiction.

29of 86

Julien Levy 1906–1981

Amerikansk Born in New York City Surrealisme, Avantgarde

Julien Levy, en anerkjent kunsthandler og eier av Julien Levy Gallery i New York City, ble født 22. januar 1906. Levys tilknytning til Marcel Duchamp førte til at han ble introdusert for Man Ray og Berenice Abbott, noe som resulterte i hans erverv av en del av Eugène Atgets personlige arkiv. I 1927 møtte han kunstneren og forfatteren Mina Loy og giftet seg med hennes datter, Joella Haweis.

30of 86

Jim Warren born 1949

Amerikansk Born in Long Beach Surrealistisk fantasy

Warren ble født 24. november 1949 i Long Beach, California, og hans kunstneriske reise begynte organisk; en barndoms fascinasjon for maleri blomstret ut til en livslang dedikasjon til å skape drømmeaktige bilder som transporterer betrakteren til fantastiske riker.

31of 86

Michael Parkes born 1944

Born in Sikeston

Michael Parkes, født i 1944 i Sikeston, Missouri, er en amerikansk kunstner som har etablert seg som en unik og visjonær stemme i samtidskunsten. Denne grunnleggelsen ble bygget på formell opplæring ved University of Kansas og senere forfinet ved University of California, Berkeley. Han ærer renessansemestrene – Leonardo da Vinci og Michelangelo – for deres anatomiske presisjon og mesterlige komposisjoner, samtidig som han anerkjenner de surrealistiske provokasjonene fra Salvador Dalí.

32of 86

Maurice Tabard 1897–1984

French Born in Lyon Surrealism

Initially destined for a musical career – his mother an amateur musician – Tabard’s early creative inclinations found expression in the intricate patterns of silk design at his father's factory. A pivotal moment arrived in 1914 when his father’s business necessitated a relocation to New York City, an event that irrevocably altered Tabard’s artistic trajectory. In 1951 Francis Quirk curated an exhibit of his work at Lehigh University along with photographs by Ansel Adams, demonstrating a recognition of Tabard's place within a broader artistic context.

33of 86

George Wallace Jardine 1920–2002

British Surrealism

His work established him as one of Scotland’s foremost landscape painters, blending the tangible reality of the natural world with the intangible whispers of the subconscious. The genesis of Jardine’s unique aesthetic was shaped by a diverse array of artistic impulses, ranging from the delicate precision of Indian miniature painting to the pioneering, fragmented approach of Max Ernst. The historical significance of George Wallace Jardine lies in his ability to bridge the gap between traditional landscape painting and the avant-garde surrealist movement.

34of 86

Graham Sutherland 1903–1980

Britisk Born in Streatham Surrealism Wikipedia in 13/32 languages

Sutherland ble født i Streatham, London, i 1903, og hans reise var preget av konstant metamorfose. Hans første møte med den tekniske verden gjennom et læretid ved Midland Railway Locomotive Works ga et fundament av presisjon som senere skulle manifestere seg i hans intrikate grafikk og teksturerte oljemalerier.

35of 86

Claude Cahun 1894–1954

French Born in Nantes Surrealism

Cahun’s photographic work stands apart from its contemporaries. As Cahun herself stated, “The abstraction, the dream, are as limited for me as the concrete and the real.” This approach mirrored the broader surrealist preoccupation with accessing subconscious realms and challenging rational thought. She created clandestine photographs documenting the plight of refugees and prisoners of war—images imbued with compassion and defiance.

36of 86

Oleksandr Aksinin 1949–1985

Ukrainian Born in Львов Soviet art, Printmaking

Aksinin’s distinctive style is characterized by an astonishing level of precision and meticulous detail—a hallmark that cemented his reputation as a true innovator. He skillfully manipulated complex compositions and subtle tonal variations within his etchings, demonstrating a masterful command of light and shadow—elements that elevated his work beyond mere representation to convey profound emotional resonance. Although specific artistic influences remain sparsely documented, it’s evident that Aksinin drew inspiration from the venerable traditions of printmaking, channeling the spirit of masters such as Albrecht Dürer—a connection that profoundly shaped his aesthetic sensibilities.

37of 86

Octavio Ocampo born 1943

Meksikaner Born in Celaya Metamorfisk surrealisme Wikipedia in 9/32 languages

Octavio Ocampo, født i 1943 i den pulserende byen Celaya, Guanajuato, Mexico, er et navn synonymt med metamorfisk surrealisme – en stil han ikke bare adopterte, men legemliggjorde.

38of 86

Frederick Sommer 1905–1999

American Photography, Surrealism

Frederick Sommer (1905 – 1999) stands as a singular figure in American photography and visual art, recognized for his hauntingly beautiful desert landscapes and his pioneering exploration of photographic techniques.

39of 86

Saul Steinberg 1914–1999

Romanian-American Born in Râmnicu Sărat Modernist Cartooning Wikipedia in 17/32 languages

To encounter the work of Saul Steinberg is to step into a realm where the boundaries between thought and line, between reality and metaphor, begin to dissolve. He was a fixture in the prestigious galleries of New York, exhibiting alongside giants like Arshile Gorky and Robert Motherwell, yet he remained a beloved figure in the pages of mass-circulation periodicals.

40of 86

Luigi Serafini born 1949

Born in Roma

Luigi Serafini, født i Roma i 1949, okkuperer en unik plass i den samtidige fantasien, der han fungerer både som en arkitekt for fysiske strukturer og som en kartograf over umulige verdener.

41of 86

Oscar Dominguez 1906–1957

Spansk Born in San Cristóbal de La Laguna Surrealismo Wikipedia in 10/32 languages

Domínguez, en spansk surrealistisk maler, ble født 3. januar 1906 i San Cristóbal de La Laguna på Tenerife, Kanariøyene. I 1933 møtte Domínguez André Breton, surrealismens fremste teoretiker, samt poeten Paul Éluard. Han deltok aktivt i flere sentrale utstillinger, blant annet i København (193ima), London og Tenerife (1936).

42of 86

Hans Bellmer 1902–1975

German Born in Katowice Surrealism, Photography Wikipedia in 15/32 languages

While primarily known for his dolls, Bellmer’s photographic work is equally significant. His photographs are characterized by a stark, almost clinical aesthetic, often employing unusual lighting and unsettling compositions. These images, published in his privately printed book Die Puppe (The Doll), were initially met with obscurity within Germany due to the artist’s deliberate isolation and the political climate.

43of 86

Michael Sowa born 1945

Tysk Surrealisme

Michael Sowa, født i 1945 i München, Tyskland, er en kunstner som har oppnådd internasjonal anerkjennelse for sin særegne stil. Sowa’s kunstneriske reise begynte tidlig med en sterk interesse for tegning og skulptur, næret gjennom formative år ved Berlin State School of Fine Arts. Sowa’s kunstneriske utvikling ble sterkt preget av surrealistiske mestere som René Magritte og Salvador Dalí.

44of 86

Jacek Yerka born 1952

Polsk Born in Toruń Surrealisme

Born in 1952 in Toruń, Poland, Jacek Yerka emerged from a deeply artistic family. As a child, Yerka preferred solitary creative pursuits – drawing and sculpting – over outdoor play, leading to social challenges during primary school which he described as a “grey, sometimes horrifying reality.” However, his talent for sketching earned him respect in high school. He cites Hieronymus Bosch, Pieter Bruegel, Cagliostro, Jan van Eyck, and Hugo van der Goes as pivotal influences.

45of 86

Angus Rowland Mcbean 1904–1990

Born in Monmouth, New Jersey

McBean’s initial artistic pursuits lay in the realm of theatrical design. He began his career crafting masks and scenery, developing a keen eye for visual storytelling and dramatic presentation. McBean transitioned into full-time theatre photography, quickly establishing himself as a skilled chronicler of the British stage.

46of 86

Wolfgang Paalen 1905–1959

Austrian-Mexican Born in Vienna Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism Wikipedia in 9/32 languages

His father, Gustav Robert Paalen, was a successful inventor – the mind behind innovations like the vacuum cleaner and Thermos bottle – whose own background blended Polish-Ashkenazi and Spanish-Sephardic heritage. Initial guidance came from German painter Leo von König, nurturing Paalen’s nascent talent and setting him on a path toward artistic expression. Wolfgang Paalen died in Taxco, Mexico, in 1959, leaving behind a body of work that continues to challenge and inspire.

47of 86

Clarence John Laughlin 1905–1985

American Surrealist photography

His work also benefited from the influence of Edward Steichen, whose time at Vogue magazine provided Laughlin with valuable exposure and experience.

48of 86

Wilhelm Freddie 1909–1995

Dansk Born in København Abstrakt kunst, realistisk surrealisme Wikipedia in 12/32 languages

Født som Christian Frederik Wilhelm Carlsen den 7. februar 1909 i København, Danmark, levde Wilhelm Freddie et liv preget av en rastløs søken etter nye visuelle språk. I 1930 introduserte han surrealismen til Danmark med maleriet Freedom, Equality and Brotherhood, F. at KE, et trekk som signaliserte hans brudd med tradisjonelle forventninger og satte ham på en vei preget av intens eksperimentering.

49of 86

Manuel Álvarez Bravo 1902–2002

Mexican Surrealist photography; Mexican muralism

Bravo’s artistic breakthrough arrived during the turbulent years following the Mexican Revolution (1910–1920). While he took art classes at the Academia Nacional de Bellas Artes, much of his photography was self-taught, driven by an internal compulsion to document the shifting Mexican identity. Throughout his career, which spanned from the late 1920s to the 1990s, he achieved numerous accolades, particularly after 1970, and his contributions were recognized by the inclusion of his work on UNESCO's Memory of the World International Register in 2017.

50of 86

Sergei Parajanov 1924–1990

Armenian, Ukrainian Born in Tbilisi Surrealism, Folklore

Sergei Parajanov, born Sarkis Hovsepi Parajaniants in Tbilisi, Georgia on January 9th, 1924, was more than just a filmmaker; he was a cultural architect, a visual poet, and a fiercely independent artist who profoundly shaped the landscape of world cinema. He is considered one of the 20 greatest film directors of all time, an honor bestowed upon him by the Rotterdam International Film Festival.

51of 86

Eileen Agar 1899–1991

Argentine-British Born in Buenos Aires Surrealism Wikipedia in 9/32 languages

Eileen Forrester Agar, born in the vibrant city of Buenos Aires in 1899 to a Scottish father and American mother, was an artist whose life and work embodied a fascinating interplay of cultures and artistic movements. In 1988, she published her autobiography, A Look at My Life, offering invaluable insights into her creative process and the vibrant artistic milieu she inhabited.

52of 86

George Condo born 1957

Amerikansk Born in Concord Kunstig Realisme Wikipedia in 7/32 languages

Møtet med Jean-Michel Basquiat i 1979 viste seg å være transformativt, og førte til en flytting til New York City og fullstendig fordypning i den spirende kunstverdenen. Condos ankomst til New York falt sammen med den eksplosive energien i East Village-kunstscenen tidlig på 1980-tallet.

53of 86

Mário Cesariny 1923–2006

Portugisisk Born in Lisboa Surrealisme, Poesi

Født i Lisboa, Portugal, den 9. august 1923, inn i en familie preget av både privilegier og stille uro, vokste Mário Cesariny de Vasconcelos frem som en av de mest særpregede stemmene innen portugisisk surrealisme. Hans far, Viriato de Vasconcelos, en dyktig gullsmed, og hans mor, María de las Mercedes Cesariny, en spansk kvinne av fransk herkomst, opplevde ekteskapelige vanskeligheter som kastet en skygge over hjemmet.

54of 86

Piroska Szanto 1913–1998

Hungarian Born in Kiskunfélegyháza Surrealism

Joining the Socialist Group of Artists in 1934 signaled her early engagement with politically charged themes, but it was her move to Szentendre in 1937 that proved pivotal.

55of 86

Artur Cruzeiro Seixas 1920–2020

Born in Amadora 1920s Art Deco

His collaboration with Natália Correia on the renowned “Anthology of Erotic and Satirical Portuguese Poetry” in 1966 showcased his ability to seamlessly blend visual art with literary themes. The late 1960s brought further recognition, including a scholarship from the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, which allowed him to dedicate himself fully to his artistic pursuits. Seixas’s artistic journey began in the fertile intellectual environment of António Arroio School, where he forged lasting friendships with key figures who would shape Portugal's cultural landscape: Mário Cesariny, Marcelino Vespeira, Júlio Pomar, and Fernando Azevedo.

56of 86

Pavel Tchelitchew 1898–1957

Russisk-født Born in Dubrovka Surrealisme, nyromantikk Wikipedia in 7/32 languages

Pavel Tchelitchew (1898–1957) var en russiskfødt surrealistisk maler, scenograf og kostymedesigner, hvis verk trollbandt med sin unike blanding av fantastisk realisme, geometrisk abstraksjon og dypt personlig symbolikk. Pavel Tchelitchews kunstneriske utvikling under oppholdet i Paris ble dramatisk formet av hans møter med Gertrude Stein, Edith Sitwell og den bredere kretsen av kunstnere knyttet til dem.

57of 86

Marcelo Grassmann 1925–2013

Brazilian Born in Sao Joao do Rio Preto Engraving and draughtsmanship

Influenced by Austrian artist Alfred Kubin and prominent Brazilian engravers Oswaldo Goeldi and Livio Abramo. These influences shaped his early style and thematic concerns. Unique Contribution to Brazilian Art: Grassmann made a significant contribution to Brazilian art through his innovative approach to engraving and draughtsmanship.

58of 86

María Izquierdo 1902–1955

Meksikansk Born in San Juan de los Lagos Surrealisme, folkekunst Wikipedia in 11/32 languages

María Izquierdo Rodríguez, en banebrytende meksikansk maler, ble født 30. oktober 1902 i San Juan de los Lagos, Jalisco, Mexico. Denne pioneren viet sitt liv og sin karriere til å male kunst som stolt viste frem sine meksikanske røtter, og hun klarte å stå side om side med berømte mannlige meksikanske kunstnere som Diego Rivera, José Clemente Orozco og David Alfaro Siqueiros.

59of 86

Kay Sage 1898–1963

American Born in Watervliet Surrealism Wikipedia in 11/32 languages

For a decade following her marriage to Italian Prince Ranieri di San Faustino in 1925, Sage largely abandoned painting, embracing the social obligations inherent in aristocratic life. The turning point arrived with her divorce in 1935 and subsequent move to Paris in 1937. A joint exhibition with Tanguy at the Wadsworth Atheneum in 1954 further solidified her reputation within artistic circles.

60of 86

Xul Solar 1887–1963

Argentinsk Born in San Fernando Avantgarde, surrealisme Wikipedia in 9/32 languages

Oscar Agustín Alejandro Schulz Solari, kjent for verden som Xul Solar, var en skikkelse som trosset enhver enkel kategorisering. Han ble født i San Fernando, Argentina, i 1887, og hans liv og kunst var en levende vev spunnet av tråder fra en kosmopolitisk oppvekst, esoterisk utforskning og en urokkelig dedikasjon til kunstnerisk innovasjon.

61of 86

Richard Oelze 1900–1980

German Born in Magdeburg Surrealism Wikipedia in 7/32 languages

As a painter, draftsperson, and graphic artist, Oelze was regarded as a significant figure in surrealism. One of his most important works is Die Erwartung (The Expectation, 1935/1936), which depicts a group of people with their backs to the observer, staring into an empty landscape.

62of 86

Hedda Sterne 1910–2011

Romanian-Amerikansk Born in București Abstrakt ekspressionisme og Surrealisme Wikipedia in 8/32 languages

Hennes resa från den vibrerande avantgardescenen före kriget till hjärtat av New York Skolan är ett testamente till hennes envishet, intellektuell nyfikenhet och okuvliga engagemang för konstnärlig utforskning. Grundandet av Hedda Sterne Foundation säkerställer att hennes arv fortsätter att inspirera och utmana publiken för kommande årtionden och förstärker hennes plats som en betydelsefull figur i historien om modern konst – en konstnär som vågat sig framåt i världen i förändring och omvandlat personlig erfarenhet till bestående visuell poesi.

63of 86

Pierre Roy 1880–1950

French Born in Nantes Surrealist Wikipedia in 7/32 languages

In 1905, he committed himself to painting, beginning his exhibition history in 1906 at the Salon of the Société Nationale des Beaux-Arts (SNBA). A significant moment in his career occurred in 1925 when he participated in the first exhibition of surrealist painters alongside figures such as Giorgio de Chirico, Max Ernst, and Pablo Picasso.

64of 86

Ithell Colquhoun 1906–1988

British Born in Shillong Surrealism, Occult art Wikipedia in 6/32 languages

In 1946, Colquhoun established a studio near Penzance, Cornwall, while maintaining a residence in London.

65of 86

Francisco Toledo 1940–2019

Mexicano Born in Mexico by Surrealismo y Arte Popular Wikipedia in 10/32 languages

Toledo's formative years were deeply marked by Zapotec culture—a heritage celebrated for its intricate textiles, vibrant ceramics, and captivating storytelling traditions. His formal training at the Escuela de Bellas Artes de Oaxaca instilled in him a grounding in classical techniques and aesthetics, while subsequent studies at the Centro Superior de Artes Aplicadas del Instituto Nacional de Bellas Artes broadened his intellectual horizons and exposed him to diverse artistic movements.

66of 86

Margit Anna 1913–1991

Ungarsk Born in Borota Ekspresjonisme, surrealisme Wikipedia in 8/32 languages

67of 86

Jacqueline Lamba 1910–1993

French Born in Saint-Mandé Surrealism Wikipedia in 6/32 languages

Their connection was nothing short of cinematic—a romance ignited by the sight of Lamba performing as a nude underwater dancer at the Coliseum, an image that would forever haunt Breton’s memory. While historical narratives often relegated her to the role of the muse or the devoted spouse, Lamba was far more than a silent inspiration.

68of 86

Vlady 1920–2005

Modern Art

Vlady’s artistic development has been marked by a consistent dedication to traditional oil painting techniques. This painstaking approach requires immense patience and skill, resulting in paintings that possess a tactile quality and an almost photographic realism. The influence of classical masters like Rembrandt and Vermeer is palpable – particularly in Vlady's masterful use of light and shadow to create dramatic effect and evoke a sense of intimacy.

69of 86

Caleb Lewis

Australian

He works primarily through stippling, a method where images are rendered exclusively in pen and ink through the application of countless small dots. The concentration required to place each point allows for a quiet stillness, turning a repetitive motion into a means of managing internal noise.

70of 86

Raquel Forner 1902–1988

Argentine Born in Buenos Aires Expressionism, Surrealism Wikipedia in 5/32 languages

Raquel Forner (1902–1988) stands as a monumental figure in the landscape of Latin American modernism, an artist whose brushstrokes did not merely capture light, but rather channeled the profound tremors of a century defined by upheaval. Her legacy is characterized by several key artistic pillars: Technical Mastery: The use of heavy impasto and rich, emotive color palettes that give her subjects a sculptural, palpable presence.

71of 86

Lubo Kristek born 1943

Tsjekkisk/Tysk Born in Brno ['Konseptkunst', 'Surrealisme', 'Performancekunst'] Wikipedia in 6/32 languages

Født i Brno, Tsjekkia, i 1943, dukket Lubo Kristek opp som en betydningsfull stemme i den europeiske kunstscenen etterkrigstiden. Et avgjørende øyeblikk i Kristeks kunstneriske utvikling kom med hans flytting til Vest-Tyskland i 1968, etter Praha-våren. Verk som Kristek House i Brno – en bygning transformert til et surrealistisk arkitektonisk assemblage – demonstrerer hans engasjement for å gjøre kunsten tilgjengelig og utfordre etablerte forestillinger om urbane landskap.

72of 86

James Gleeson 1915–2008

Born in Australia Wikipedia in 4/32 languages

James Timothy Gleeson (1915-2008) var ikke bare en kunstner; han var en landskapets trollmann, en vever av mareritt og drømmer, og utvilsomt Australias første sanne surrealist. Gleeson ble født i Hornsby, New South Wales, og hans tidlige liv var preget av en dyp følelse av fremmedgjøring.

73of 86

Julian Trevelyan 1910–1988

Britisk Born in Dorking Surrealism, Printmaking Wikipedia in 3/32 languages

Macaulay Trevelyan’s historical scholarship – instilled in him a lifelong appreciation for storytelling and observation. Bedales School nurtured his innate creativity, encouraging independent exploration and fostering a belief in the transformative power of imagination. He became a founding member of the British Surrealist Group in 1936, participating in the internationally acclaimed Surrealist Exhibition held at New Burlington Galleries that same year.

74of 86

Jeffrey Smart 1921–2013

Australian Born in Adelaide Precisionism Wikipedia in 5/32 languages

Frank Jeffrey Edson Smart, known universally as Jeffrey Smart, emerged onto the Australian art scene from a childhood steeped in both encouragement and constraint. Though initially drawn to the precision of architecture, financial realities steered him toward teacher training, a path that nonetheless allowed him to continue developing his artistic skills at the South Australian School of Arts and Crafts. A subsequent period on the island of Ischia in 1950, shared with fellow Australian painters Donald Friend, Michael Shannon, and Jacqueline Hick, further solidified his artistic direction.

75of 86

Conroy Maddox 1912–2005

English Born in Ledbury Surrealism Wikipedia in 4/32 languages

He rejected traditional painting methods, embracing collage, frottage, and decalcomania—techniques that allowed for chance encounters and the emergence of unexpected forms. The influence of psychoanalysis, particularly the theories of Sigmund Freud, is evident in his exploration of hidden desires and repressed emotions. Conroy Maddox died in London in 2005 at the age of 92, leaving behind a remarkable body of work that continues to captivate and inspire.

76of 86

Tristram Hillier 1905–1983

English Born in Beijing Surrealist Wikipedia in 2/32 languages

Throughout his career, Hillier remained a steadfast practitioner of surrealism, even as his travels took him across France and Spain before he eventually settled in Somerset, England.

77of 86

György Roman 1903–1981

Ungarsk Born in Rome Surrealisme Wikipedia in 4/32 languages

György Roman (1903 – 1981) sprang ut av det fruktbare kunstneriske landskapet i Ungarn i mellomkrigstiden, hvor han etablerte seg som en fremtredende skikkelse innen ungarsk modernisme og satte et uutslettelig preg på ekspresjonismen.

78of 86

Jorge Castillo born 1933

Spanish Born in Pontevedra Abstract Expressionist Wikipedia in 5/32 languages

Castillo's artistic trajectory began with a formal education in drawing at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, a crucial period that exposed him to the revolutionary currents of Surrealism. Returning to Spain in 1955, he settled in Barcelona, a city that would become inextricably linked to his artistic identity.

79of 86

Ivan Eyre 1935–2022

Canadian Born in Saskatchewan Abstract Figurative, Prairie Landscape Wikipedia in 3/32 languages

His early life, marked by moves across the prairies—from Red Deer, Alberta, to Saskatoon—instilled in him an intimate understanding of the land’s character: its solitude, its ever-changing light, and its capacity for both beauty and starkness. This formative connection would become the bedrock of his artistic expression. Notably, nine of his sculptures are prominently displayed in the McMichael Sculpture Garden in Kleinburg, Ontario, and others grace Assiniboine Park in Winnipeg, enriching public spaces with his distinctive aesthetic.

80of 86

Ceri Richards 1903–1971

Walsisk Born in Dunvant Surrealisme, ekspresjonisme Wikipedia in 2/32 languages

Født i den lille landsbyen Dunvant, nær Swansea, i 1903, vokste Ceri Giraldus Richards opp i et unikt og nærende miljø som skulle prege hans kunstneriske visjon dypt. Denne dedikasjonen kulminerte i et avgjørende stipend til Royal College of Art i London i 1924 – et vendepunkt som kastet ham inn i hjertet av den modernistiske bevegelsen.

81of 86

Eldzier Cortor 1916–2015

American Born in Richmond Surrealism, Realism Wikipedia in 3/32 languages

Simultaneously, Cortor’s dedication to positive portrayals of African Americans was nurtured by his avid readership of The Chicago Defender, a newspaper dedicated to celebrating Black achievements.

82of 86

Linder Sterling born 1954

British Wikipedia in 4/32 languages

Her work has been featured in group exhibitions at the Tate Modern, the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art, and the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago. In 2017, she was honored with the Paul Hamlyn Foundation Award. Her performance art has included works such as The Ultimate Form, a collaboration with choreographer Kenneth Tindall, and Children of the Stain.

83of 86

Juan Barjola 1919–2004

Spanish Born in Torre de Miguel Sesmero New Figuration Wikipedia in 3/32 languages

His early paintings often featured fragmented figures and dreamlike landscapes, hinting at a subconscious world grappling with themes of isolation, memory, and the anxieties of war. He began to move away from purely representational forms, embracing abstraction as a means of conveying more complex emotional states. The shadow of Pablo Picasso loomed large over Spanish art during Barjola’s formative years, but rather than imitation, Picasso's example spurred him toward originality.

84of 86

Emilio Tadini 1927–2002

Spanish Born in Milan Catalan Modernisme Wikipedia in 1/32 languages

Emilio Tadini was far more than a painter; he was a profound architect of meaning within the Italian cultural landscape. Born in Milan in 1927, his journey began not with a brush, but with the written word. A poet, novelist, and essayist, Tadini first emerged onto the prestigious literary stage in 1947 through Elio Vittorini's magazine, Politecnico.

85of 86

Leandre Cristòfol 1908–1998

Catalan Born in Olesa de Balaguer Surrealism, Non-figurative Wikipedia in 1/32 languages

Han ble født i Olesa de Balaguer, Spania, i 1908, og gikk bort i Lleida, Spania, i 1998. Selv om det ikke er tilgjengelig spesifikk informasjon om verkene til leandre cristòfol i peralba på AllPaintingsStore-siden, er hans innflytelse på den surrealistiske skulpturen i Catalonia ubestridelig.

86of 86

Ellen Lanyon 1926–2013

Born in Chicago World Goes Pop Wikipedia in 1/32 languages

Lanyon’s early work focused on intimate portraits of relatives and the spaces they inhabited – quiet studies imbued with a sense of psychological depth. However, this focus gradually shifted towards more fantastical compositions, populated by animal, vegetal, and floral motifs arranged in dreamlike scenarios. In the 1970s, Lanyon’s move to New York brought her into contact with the feminist art collective Heresies, further broadening her intellectual and artistic horizons.