Question

Trace the effects of Freud and other psychologist's theories on the development of the Dada and Surrealist movements and the stream of consciousness technique and subsequent art, literature and cinema. Chose atleast two specific artists/writers/filmmakets to focus on and discuss the relevance and/or appeP of their work today.

Answer 1

We will discuss Dada and Surrealist movements one by one and the effects of Freud and other pyschologists in their development. Then we will discuss two examples of artists in this regard.

The Dada movement was actually an art movement which was conceptualizzed during the First World War in Zurich, Switzerland which depicted the horrors and foolishness of the war. The Dada movement was formed to show the unconscious world, the expressions of their paintings and writings. As Freud and othe Pyschologists felt that dreams were a reflection of unconsious desires which were not expressed in the real world, Dada artists used these in their work.

The Surrealist Movement was formed in Europe to depict the aftermath of World War 1 and was largely influenced by the Dada Movement. It also used imaginary visual art works and writings and the juxtaposition of very much uncommon imagery. This movement was also deeply influenced by Freud from his theory of unconsciousness so the movement was made to free the mind from rational, moral and aesthetic values and concentrated more on imagination.

Two artists in this regard were Tristan Tzara and Max Ernst.

Tistan Tzara was a co-founder of the Dada Movement. Tristan Tzara propounded a concept called "Dada's magic revolver" that would put any art or creativity to put aside or sleep so that a new world that encouraged living and full of life could be born. So in today's world of war and destruction, it would encourage love, peace and a world full of life instead of death from war. Tristan Tzara also wrote magazines, poems, literary works and arts relating to the Dada Movement.

Max Ernst made many beautiful easel paintings that were aligned to the Surrealist Movement. His paintings evoked feelings of dreams, nightmares and invented many beautiful techniques. One was called Grattage which consists of scratching fresh painting with a sharp blade. He also invented a techique called Frottage which uses pencil rubbings of objects as a source of images. So in relevance to today's world, such paintings and art works are used in modern arts, that reflect hidden desires, sleep and unconsciousness and a dream for an ultimate world free from war and destruction.