Automatic apparitions

One of the Surrealists’ great inspirations was Austrian psychologist Sigmund Freud who believed that dreams could help people understand their true fears and desires. You might be able to recognise the influence of dreams in the mysterious and atmospheric, Invisible sleeping woman, horse, lion (1930) by Spanish born artist Salvador Dali, one of Surrealism’s most recognisable names.

Surrealists used a range of techniques to help them make art before their mind would interfere with thoughts like, “that’s not right”, or “that’s ugly”, or “nobody will understand that”. They described this way of making art as ‘pure psychic automatism’.

French artist André Masson loved to draw without the interference of his mind. He would make marks rapidly across the paper, and only afterwards would he see forms and figures emerge from his drawing. You might be just as surprised by the surreal details of Masson’s The labyrinth (1938) as he was when he first made the sketches for the painting.

German Surrealist artist Max Ernst would often use a technique called Decalcomania to invite the unexpected into his artworks. In this technique, he would spread paint onto a surface, cover it with a material then peel it back to reveal patterns and textures in the compressed paint. Ernst would often add to these patterns and textures until they resembled fantastical creatures like the one you can see in his painting Chimera (1928).

Discussion questions

• What can you see in Salvador Dali’s Invisible sleeping woman, horse, lion (1930) that reminds you of a dream?
• Take a moment to look closely at Andre Masson’s The labyrinth (1938) Make a list of all the forms and figures you see.
• Why do you think Surrealist artists tried to avoid engaging in rational thought when they started making an artwork?
• Why do you think dreams were so important to the Surrealists?
• Through their art, the Surrealists wanted to explore all the parts of their imagination, even the parts that could be uncomfortable or scary. How do you think using your entire imagination in this way could change the world for better?

• acrylic paint in a range of colours
• coloured card
• large paintbrush and pot
• palette
• a range of coloured marker pens

• On one half of the coloured card, either squeeze out a colourful arrangement of paint daubs or use a large brush to paint an abstract pattern. Remember to be thoughtful and not use too much paint!
• Now, fold the card over so the unpainted side presses against the painted side.
• Apply firm pressure to the back of the card with your hand to ensure the paint is transferred evenly to the other side.
• Carefully unfold the card.
• Place the card aside and allow time for the paint to dry.
• As you wait, observe the blotches and visualise how their shape, texture, and detail might resemble creatures, faces or objects.
• Once the paint is dry, use coloured markers to adjust the blotches so they closely resemble what you see in your imagination.

• How was this activity different from the way you are used to drawing or painting?
• What emerged from your coloured blotches? Did they turn into people you know, heroes you might have seen in movies or creatures you’ve met in dreams? Identify these characters and describe them to your class.
• Take a look at your finished painting. How would you describe what the characters are doing? Make up a story from the scene you have created.