Radical Dreams: Surrealism, Counterculture, Resistance

Radical Dreams explores how surrealism was a living current of anti-authoritarian resistance during the 1960s, 70s, and 80s, with chapters on Afrosurrealism, Ted Joans, punk, the Situationist International, and student protests. It demonstrates how surrealism's engagement extended beyond the parameters of an artistic style or historical period, with contributions from scholars and contemporary surrealist practitioners.

Format: Hardback
Length: 270 pages
Publication date: 08 March 2022
Publisher: Pennsylvania State University Press

Surrealism, a captivating artistic movement that emerged in Europe during the interwar period, has garnered widespread recognition. However, its influence extended far beyond the confines of the art world during the vibrant decades of the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. Diverse radical affinity groups, underground subcultures, and student protest movements proudly proclaimed their connections to surrealism, adding a new dimension to its narrative.

Radical Dreams, a groundbreaking work, presents a compelling argument that surrealism went beyond being merely an avant-garde art movement. It reveals itself as a vibrant current of anti-authoritarian resistance, pulsating through the veins of postwar oppositional cultures. This comprehensive volume, featuring perspectives from scholars across various humanities disciplines and contemporary surrealist practitioners, delves into the profound role of surrealism in shaping postwar resistance movements.

Through its chapters, Radical Dreams explores the multifaceted dimensions of surrealism's influence. It uncovers the ways in which surrealism's commitment extended beyond the realm of artistic style or historical period, encompassing diverse topics such as Afrosurrealism, Ted Joans, punk, the Situationist International, the student protests of May 68, and many more. By privileging interdisciplinary, transhistorical, and material culture approaches, the contributors shed light on the intricate interplay between surrealism and New Left politics, protest movements, the sexual revolution, psychedelia, and other subcultural trends across the globe.

This revelatory work serves as a definitive testament to the inseparable link between surrealism and cultural and political radicalism. It will be of immense value to those with a keen interest in the avant-garde, contemporary art, and radical social movements. In addition to the editors, the contributors to this volume include a diverse array of scholars and artists, each bringing their unique perspectives to the table.

Radical Dreams is a testament to the enduring power of art to inspire and transform, reminding us of the profound impact that surrealism has had on the world of culture and politics. It is a must-read for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of this fascinating artistic movement and its profound influence on our collective imagination.

Weight: 688g
Dimension: 183 x 248 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780271091358