Dream world
Be seduced by the work of the Surrealists
Step into another dimension at the V&A, where a new exhibition showcases the work of the Surrealists
Words: Emma Juhasz
FROM LOBSTER TELEPHONES to sofas in the shape of lips, the Surrealists fused reality with dreamlike concepts to create extraordinary works of art. Although their creations can be hard to comprehend, there is no denying that these are some of the most visually intriguing objects of the 20th century. This mesmerising exhibition leaves us in no doubt as to why Surrealism dominated the art world from the 1920s to post-World War II.
Surreal Things: Surrealism and Design, Victoria & Albert Museum, London SW7 2RL, +44 (0)20 7942 2000; www.vam.ac.uk
RENE MAGRITTE La Reproduction Interdite,1937 This quiet, Belgian painter joined the Surrealist group in 1927. His work had a sense of fantasy and challenged preconceptions of reality.
HORST P HORST Barefoot Beauty,1941 A contributor to Vogue, the German photographer became interested in Surrealism after he met Salvador Dalí and shot costumes for him in Paris in the1930s.
SALVADOR DALI & EDWARD JAMES White Aphrodisiac Telephone,1936 The flamboyant Spaniard is the most famous – and is considered to be the greatest – Surrealist artist. He was renowned for his odd behaviour and his handlebar moustache.
SALVADOR DALI & EDWARD JAMES Mae West Lips Sofa,1938 Dalí stayed with James, an eccentric English millionaire who collected Surrealist art, in London in1936 and together they developed various pieces.
MERET OPPENHEIM Table With Bird’s Legs,1939 The Swiss artist was a leading figure in the Surrealist movement. She first exhibited with the Surrealists in 1933 in Paris and became known for her audacious sculptures.
MAN RAY Model in Dominguez’s Wheelbarrow, 1937 The versatile and inventive American artist spent most of his life in Paris, where he mixed with the Surrealists. He was renowned for his experimental photography.
SALVADOR DALI Ruby Lips Brooch, 1949 Dalí was inspired by dream imagery to create his unforgettable works.
ELSA SCHIAPARELLI Tear Dress, 1938 Born in Rome, Schiaparelli was one of the leading Parisian fashion designers. She had a flair for the unusual and even hired Dalí to design fabric for her. Her clothes are considered to be works of art.
Photography: ADAGP/DACS, Salvador Dali Foundation/DACS, Bischofberger Collection – Switzerland, DACS 2006, Man Ray Trust/ADAGP, Shiaparelli France SAS
