New Surrealism: The Uncanny in Contemporary Painting

New Surrealism: The Uncanny in Contemporary Painting by Robert Zeller explores the legacy of historical Surrealism in contemporary art, featuring an international selection of artists who use its themes and techniques. The book covers the origins, leaders, and major milestones of historical Surrealism, and how elements of New Surrealism are being put into practice in the contemporary art world.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 07 December 2023
Publisher: Monacelli Press

New Surrealism: The Uncanny in Contemporary Painting by Robert Zeller is a comprehensive exploration of both historical Surrealism and its enduring influence on contemporary art. It showcases the diverse ways in which the most significant art movement of the 20th century remains relevant in the present day, featuring an international selection of contemporary artists whose compositions and studio practices reveal its profound impact.

Historical Surrealism encompasses various modalities that continue to resonate in contemporary art: presenting the familiar as unfamiliar and uncanny, juxtaposing seemingly unrelated imagery, employing absurdity to critique political or social issues, and using erotic imagery in irrational, non-linear contexts. While not all the artists featured in this book self-identify as Surrealists per se, each employs their unique variation of Surrealism in their artistic practice.

The book begins with a thorough examination of the origins, leadership, participating artists, and significant milestones of historical Surrealism. Zeller traces the movement's development, starting from the aftermath of World War I and the emergence of Dada. Throughout the chronological timeline, he highlights the key figures and events, including World War II and the contributions of renowned artists such as Max Ernst, Marcel Duchamp, Leonora Carrington, and many others. Zeller then delves into how elements of New Surrealism are being implemented in the contemporary art world.

Section Two presents a survey of 29 contemporary artists who engage in the vast array of variations of the original themes of New Surrealism. These artists include Rosa Loy, Glenn Brown, and Arghavan Khosravi, among others. Section Three features 14 artists, including prominent contemporary artists such as Inka Essenhigh, Ginny Casey, and A.

In conclusion, New Surrealism: The Uncanny in Contemporary Painting by Robert Zeller is a indispensable resource for art enthusiasts, scholars, and anyone interested in understanding the enduring legacy of Surrealism in contemporary art. Through its comprehensive exploration of historical Surrealism and its diverse manifestations in contemporary practice, the book offers a deep insight into the power of imagination and the limitless possibilities of artistic expression.

Weight: 1722g
Dimension: 238 x 290 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781580935692