Surrealism at 100: The Art Movement’s Legacy, Market Records, and Female Renaissance

Leonora Carrington’s “Les Distractions de Dagobert” doubling expectations with a $28.5 million sale. — *Leonora Carrington’s “Les Distractions de Dagobert” sold for $28.5 million at Sotheby’s New-York.*

While this year marked the century of Surrealism, its influence and approval as an art movement is more vital than ever. In a world grappling with uncertainty, its window into the unconscious mind and dreamscape continues to inspire and setting new record-breaking achievements in the art world.

From Breton’s Manifesto to Ongoing Global Influence

The publication of André Breton’s Manifesto of Surrealism marked the beginning of the Surrealism movement in the art history. The manifesto itself outlined the philosophical basis of the movement and was heavily influenced by Sigmund Freud's theories of the unconscious mind. The surrealist artworks are recognizable by their dreamlike and fantastical qualities, often blending reality and imagination. The century of the art movement has been marked with noticeable exhibitions all over the world. Alongside with a strong collector’s interest and its continuous inspiration for the new generation of artists the allure of Surrealism remains as strong as ever.

Surrealism's Art Market Surge: Record-Breaking Sales and the Rise of Female Artists

When the enigmatic surrealist René Magrittes, l’empire des lumières, got hammered at the staggering price of $ 121 million in November 2024 at Christie’s in New York this also marked the sales record of the art world for 2024. Female surrealists have also gotten a renewed renaissance during the last years, with Leonora Carrington’s “Les Distractions de Dagobert” doubling expectations with a $28.5 million sale.

René Magrittes, *l’empire des lumières*.

Sold for $ 121 million in November 2024 at Christie’s in New York.

In today’s art market, Surrealism has earned a reputation as a "safe haven." While masterpieces by Dalí and Magritte command sky-high prices, works by female surrealists’ counterparts remain comparatively accessible, offering new collectors a chance to engage with this visionary movement. The renaissance of female surrealist has also been linked to their focus on inclusion, equity and reshaping of perceptions of genre, themes that are speaking to today’s audience.

2024 Surrealism Centenary: Landmark Exhibitions Showcase Iconic Voices

Price records and renewed interest just one highlight of 2024’s centenary celebrations. Centre Pompidou in Paris marked the year with the exhibition “Surrealism: The Centenary Exhibition (1924-1969) running from September 4, 2024, to January 13, 2025. it features over 350 works by nearly 130 artists, including iconic figures like René Magritte, Salvador Dalí, and Joan Miró, alongside contributions from significant women Surrealists like Leonora Carrington and Dora Maar. After its run at the Centre Pompidou in Paris, the Surrealism centenary exhibition will travel internationally, with its final destination being Philadelphia.

*Salvador Dali, Rêve causé par le vol d'une abeille autour d'une pomme-grenade, une seconde avant l'éveil, vers 1944 © Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza, Madrid.*

International auction houses as Christie’s and Sotheby’s have featured unprecedented collections of surrealist art during the year, and galleries from New York to Tokyo joined in, spotlighting the movement’s diverse voices and enduring impact.

Surrealism as Refuge: Resonance in Uncertain Times

The resurgence of interest in Surrealism isn’t just about anniversaries or market trends. Art historians and critics also refers to global uncertainties and technology disruptions when explaining its popularity. As art historian Dr. Emmanelle Lequeux described for Art Basel magazine "In our fragmented world, Surrealism’s dreamlike imagery serves as both a refuge and a mirror to societal complexities, resonating deeply with contemporary audiences."

““In our fragmented world, Surrealism’s dreamlike imagery serves as both a refuge and a mirror to societal complexities, resonating deeply with contemporary audiences.” ”

— Dr. Emmanuelle Lequeux

Rising Stars: Female Surrealists of the Present

That the ideas of the surrealist movement remain relevant is also illustrated by surrealist traditions and ideas being highly visible in contemporary artist of today. Contemporary figures like Marguerite Humeau (b. 1986) and Tacita Dean (b. 1965) channel surrealist traditions through mythological imagery and experimental processes. Giulia Andreani (b. 1985) delve into themes of femininity, resistance, and the body, while Hélène Delprat (b. 1957) embrace performance art to critique societal constraints.