Episode 4. Getting Stuck Into Surrealism
For this instalment of Table of Plenty, we thought we would look into the diverse, enthralling and incredibly defining movement that is Surrealism.
Coined as an art movement by Andre Breton in 1924, this is a movement that champions and openly celebrates the power of the unconscious, the fantastic, the odd and all things dreamlike and otherworldly.
Spanning across literature, painting, sculpture and more, one of the most interesting things about this movement is the fact that it was not defined by gender, medium, language or location.
Why Surrealism?
When looking back on the art movements that left lasting impressions on us as artists, we both found surrealism to be perfect for Table of Plenty.
As a movement that openly encourages uninhibited and imaginative expression, surrealism allows you to run wild with your dreams. This is a movement that, we feel, allows you to explore the depths of the self through artmaking.
Complete with exercises and games designed to help spark inspiration from the subconscious, Surrealism
A movement that is linked to psychological exploration, dream-like scenarios and all kind
Surrealism - Common Characteristics
Dreamlike Imagery
Personal Iconography and Symbolic imagery
A Depiction Of Unexpected Combinations Of Objects And Subjects (Photo credit: Oscar Keys)
A Sense Of Spontaneity
Variants Of Technique To Create Seeming Random Visual Effects
Visual Depictions Of Joke And, Juxtapositions
Photo credit: Celery soup
Games and Exercises
Feeling inspired? If you’re ready to deep dive into these surrealistic waters, we’ve got a few exercises to help you embrace the surrealistic flow.
Exercise 1: Frottage
For our adaptation of this classic drawing technique, we are taking the concept of the “found image” and finding easy ways to include that within any artmaking process.
You Will Need:
Paper
Textured Objects (i.e. leaves, coins)
Charcoal, crayon, oil pastel or pencil
Steps:
Grab object and place it underneath the paper
Rub charcoal, crayon or oil pastel on top of the paper
Observe the results.
Optional
Find another textured object and create another layer
Consider experimenting by using different mediums and colours.
Add lines over the top of the image to make meaning
Exercise 2: Subconscious Line Drawing
Line drawing is a classic drawing technique that has been used by countless artists. Line drawing provides a great way to warm up the brain and kickstart yourself into thinking more creatively.
By removing conscious thought from the process, you can allow creativity to shine through by allowing thoughts from the subconscious to rise through.
You Will Need:
Paper
Textured Objects (i.e. leaves, coins)
Your preferred drawing material
Steps:
Take a blank piece of paper (any size).
Use pen, pencil, markers or anything else to draw!
Start anywhere on the paper by drawing lines and patterns.
Free your mind and let your hand guide you across the page.
Exercise 3: Our Exquisite Corpse
For our adaptation of this incredibly famous surrealist game, we decided that we turn the concept of the Exquisite Corpse and turn it into a visual conversation.
Feel free to play this one with a group of friends - the more the merrier!
You Will Need:
Paper
Your preferred drawing material
Steps:
Gather your friends around.
Place one piece in front of the first player. Hand them a drawing tool and encourage them to start.
One player draws an image then hands the pen to someone else.
The next player draws another image on the same page.
Note: we recommend going in a circle if there is a large group of people.
All players continue until the page is filled.
Tip: If your group is feeling a bit stuck for ideas, try providing a theme before the game begins.
You can do one, two or all of the exercises! Make sure to put them in your art journal and share your progress with us!
Share Your Art
Once you’ve completed the exercise or if you just have something cool to show us, take photos, videos or scans of your journal or work in progress and share it via social media. Make sure you tag us @lostinbookssydney or use the hashtag #TofPArtStudio so we can see it.
You can also submit your artwork by emailing to art@lostinbooks.com.au to receive feedback from our artists Huy and Lili, and for a chance to be featured in our online Art gallery.
OPEN STUDIO
Cost: $100 per student/term | Location: Lost In Books, 2/4o Harris St, Fairfield, NSW 2165
Creative Kids vouchers accepted. Click here to apply.
Our TABLE OF PLENTY open access studio creates an encouraging, open and safe environment where individuals can gain a sense of agency through creativity and art with the intent to unify and strengthen the already strong ties within our community. We look forward to welcoming our participants!
Term 1 dates and times to be advised. Register to be on the waitlist.