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Surrealist Mixed Media

SURREALIST STYLE

In the wake of World War I’s ravaging of Europe, artists delved into the unconscious mind to confront and grapple with this reality. Poet and critic André Breton, a leader of the Surrealist movement who authored the 1924 Surrealist Manifesto, called this approach “a violent reaction against the impoverishment and sterility of thought processes that resulted from centuries of rationalism.” Surrealist art emerged in the 1920s with dreamlike and uncanny imagery guided by a variety of techniques such as automatic drawing, which can be likened to a stream of consciousness, to channel psychological experiences.

Although Surrealism was a groundbreaking approach for European art, its practitioners were inspired by Indigenous art and ancient mysticism for reenvisioning how sculptures, paintings, prints, performance art and more could respond to the unsettled world around them.

Surrealist artists were also informed by the Dada movement, which originated in 1916 Zurich and embraced absurdity over the logic that had propelled modernity into violence. Some of the Surrealists had witnessed this firsthand, such as Max Ernst, who served in the trenches during World War I, and Salvador Dalí, whose otherworldly paintings and other work responded to the dawning civil war in Spain.

Other key artists associated with the revolutionary art and literary movement included Man Ray, Joan Miró, René Magritte, Yves Tanguy, Frida Kahlo and Meret Oppenheim, all of whom had a distinct perspective on reimagining reality and freeing the unconscious mind from the conventions and restrictions of rational thought. Pablo Picasso showed some of his works in “La Peinture Surréaliste” — the first collective exhibition of Surrealist painting — which opened at Paris’s Galerie Pierre in November of 1925. (Although Magritte is best known as one of the visual Surrealist movement’s most talented practitioners, his famous 1943 painting, The Fifth Season, can be interpreted as a formal break from Surrealism.)

The outbreak of World War II led many in the movement to flee Europe for the Americas, further spreading Surrealism abroad. Generations of modern and contemporary artists were subsequently influenced by the richly symbolic and unearthly imagery of Surrealism, from Joseph Cornell to Arshile Gorky.

Find a collection of original Surrealist paintings, sculptures, prints and multiples and more art on 1stDibs.

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Style: Surrealist
Myth, Muse and Metaphor #9, Mixed Media on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
"Myth, Muse and Metaphor #9 (How's Your Summer Going So Far?)" is a mixed media painting of acrylic and collage on canvas. It features various abstract organic shapes based on flower...
Category

2010s Surrealist Mixed Media

Materials

Mixed Media

Blue Horse, painted, Mixed Media on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
I woke up one morning and I said to myself "I really want to paint a blue horse" . But I couldn't that. So I painted a big pink bird and I titled it blue horse. Done My Blue Horse c...
Category

2010s Surrealist Mixed Media

Materials

Mixed Media

Chaos, black and earth colors, figure, animals, creation, rain
Located in Brooklyn, NY
elephant bat butterfly panda These collages were created first in the presence of a model, working quickly, in charcoal and pastel, and again, later, alone, furiously tearing and pas...
Category

2010s Surrealist Mixed Media

Materials

Mixed Media, Archival Paper

What is the universe? - Mixed Media by Anna Maria Caboni - 2023
Located in Roma, IT
What is the universe? A Thousand Million of Overwhelming Moons. Come In. is a fascinating painting by the Italian artist Anna Maria Caboni. It represent a metallic version of a gala...
Category

2010s Surrealist Mixed Media

Materials

Mixed Media

Swing XXII, Mixed Media on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
The ichthus, from the Greek, is a symbol consisting of two intersecting arcs, the ends of the right side extending beyond the meeting point so as to resemble the profile of a fish. T...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Mixed Media

Materials

Mixed Media

Watercolor on paper with mixed media: )"Fertile Crescents" (long dogs)
Located in New York, NY
Shiri Mordechay's paintings are a whirlwind of emotion and complexity, drawing the viewer into a vibrant and dynamic world. Each piece is packed with countless details, your eyes are...
Category

2010s Surrealist Mixed Media

Materials

Mixed Media, Watercolor, Archival Paper

Surreal Collage: Damselfly
Located in New York, NY
'Combining found elements with those fashioned by my own hand, my work encompasses two- and three-dimensional collage as well as sculptural objects. Infused with a rich sense of hist...
Category

2010s Surrealist Mixed Media

Materials

Mixed Media

Stallion. X One of a Kind Framed Abstract Horse, Mixed Media on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
The history of the horse in China dates back over many centuries. The sixth animal in the Chinese zodiac is the horse. Power, beauty, and freedom symbolize the horse in Chines...
Category

2010s Surrealist Mixed Media

Materials

Mixed Media

Old Faust
Located in OPOLE, PL
Salvador Dali (1904-1989) - Old Faust Etching from 1969. The edition 18/145. Dimensions of work: 38 x 28 cm. Hand signed. Publisher: Graphik Europa Anstalt. Reference: R. Michl...
Category

1960s Surrealist Mixed Media

Materials

Lithograph

Kneeling Knight
Located in OPOLE, PL
Salvador Dali (1904-1989) - Kneeling Knight Etching from 1969. The edition 63/145. Dimensions of work: 38 x 28 cm. Hand signed. Publisher: Graphik Europa Anstalt. Reference: R....
Category

1960s Surrealist Mixed Media

Materials

Etching

Sphere. XI Framed hand-painted gold stallion, Mixed Media on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
One-of-a-kind mixed media manipulated painted photographs on gold hand-painted paper The painting is 8X10â€
Category

2010s Surrealist Mixed Media

Materials

Mixed Media

Last News - Mixed Media by Sergio Barletta - 1981
Located in Roma, IT
Last News is an original Collage and pen realized in 1981 by Italian Artist Sergio Barletta. Hand-signed on the lower right and dated on the lower left and titled on the lower cent...
Category

1980s Surrealist Mixed Media

Materials

Mixed Media, Pen

"Parts of Another, " Mixed Media Collage
Located in Chicago, IL
Based in Chicago, IL, contemporary artist Michael Thompson creates unique kites, collages and mixed media works assembled from material fragments of past and present collected in his...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Mixed Media

Materials

Paper, Monoprint

DejaVu X mixed media edition # 1 of 1, Mixed Media on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Elegant, heavyweight canvas is treated with multiple layers of varnish, hand painted with acrylic ink before and after printing. Aged by sanding to create visual metaphors. ...
Category

2010s Surrealist Mixed Media

Materials

Mixed Media

Nude - Collage and Mixed Media - 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Nude is an original collage artwork, realized by Sergio Barletta in 1975 ca. Hand-signed on the lower right. From the series of "La Mappa del Tattuaggio", written on the lower left....
Category

1970s Surrealist Mixed Media

Materials

Mixed Media

Salvador Dalí – Femme à cheval - hand watercolored drypoint etching – 1969
Located in Varese, IT
hand watercolored drypoint etching on extremely fine Japanese paper, edited in 1969 limited edition of 145 copies water-colored , numbered in lower left corner ea ( artist proof ) si...
Category

1960s Surrealist Mixed Media

Materials

Paper, Watercolor, Drypoint, Etching

Seated Woman, Mixed Media on Paper by Salvador Gonzales Escalona
Located in Long Island City, NY
Date: 2001 Gouache, Graphite and Pastel on Paper, signed and dated in pencil Image Size: 15.5 x 10.25 inches Size: 17.75 x 12 in. (45.09 x 30.48 cm)
Category

Early 2000s Surrealist Mixed Media

Materials

Pastel, Gouache, Graphite

Women - Original China Ink and Pastel by Mariano Villalta - 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Hand signed lower left. Graffiti, pastel and china ink. Passepartout included : 49 x 34
Category

1970s Surrealist Mixed Media

Materials

Mixed Media

Cirque du Soleil n.34 - Original Mixed Media on Paper by Sergio Barletta - 1995
Located in Roma, IT
Hand Signed. Mixed technique and collage on cardboard. Passepartout included. This artwork is from the series "Cirque du Soleil" that the Italian artist Sergio Barletta dedicated to ...
Category

1990s Surrealist Mixed Media

Materials

Mixed Media, Cardboard

Cirque du Soleil n.8
Located in Roma, IT
Hand Signed. Mixed technique and collage on cardboard. Lightly damaged on bottom left sheet. Passepartout included. This artwork is from the series "Cirque du Soleil...
Category

1990s Surrealist Mixed Media

Materials

Mixed Media, Cardboard

Cirque du Soleil n.2
Located in Roma, IT
Hand Signed. Mixed technique and collage on cardboard. Passepartout included. This artwork is from the series "Cirque du Soleil" that the Italian arti...
Category

1990s Surrealist Mixed Media

Materials

Mixed Media, Cardboard

Cirque du Soleil n.38
Located in Roma, IT
Hand Signed. Mixed technique and collage on cardboard. Passepartout included. This artwork is from the series "Cirque du Soleil" that the Italian arti...
Category

1990s Surrealist Mixed Media

Materials

Mixed Media, Cardboard

"Las Esquinas del Tiempo (The Corners of Time), " signed by Teresa Olabuenaga
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"Las Esquinas del Tiempo (The Corners of Time)" is an original mixed media on canvas by Teresa Olabuenaga. It depicts abstract forms, a figure in a sarcophagus, a nude breast...
Category

1990s Surrealist Mixed Media

Materials

Canvas, Mixed Media

Lili Ocean Part II
Located in Lake Worth Beach, FL
Lili Ocean Part 2 Pink Abstract. Mixed media: acrylic, ink marker, pastel on paper, white frame under Plexiglas. Malgosia Kiernozycka was born i...
Category

2010s Surrealist Mixed Media

Materials

Pastel, Ink, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Archival Paper

Over/Under
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Marcel Dzama is one of Canada's most internationally successful artists. With one foot in reality and the other in the subconscious, Dzama's unmistakable version of contemporary Surr...
Category

1990s Surrealist Mixed Media

Materials

Ink, Mixed Media

" Surrealist Collage " . New York .
Located in CANNES, FR
Max Bucaille ( 1906 -1996 ) . French Surrealist Artist . born in Normandy in 1906 . Image : 12 x 18 cm Page : 21 x 30 cm Framed : 38 x 52 cm Max Bucaille prend une paire de ciseaux et de colle , il se munit de vieux ouvrages illustrés et , pour notre plaisir , rêve éveillé ! auteur de poèmes et de collages surréalistes...
Category

1930s Surrealist Mixed Media

Materials

Paper, Mixed Media

COSI FAN TUTTE
Located in New York, NY
color etching and aquatint. Edition 1/100 Fantastical Surreal Fantasy
Category

1970s Surrealist Mixed Media

Materials

Etching, Aquatint

Surreal Collage: Happy Valley
Located in New York, NY
Barnett, a surrealist artist incorporates discarded mechanical objects and gadgets into his artwork. His work is characterized by its unique and ecl...
Category

2010s Surrealist Mixed Media

Materials

Mixed Media

"Ladies at Tea, " Mixed Media Tile, 2007
Located in Chicago, IL
Liverpool-based artist Pauline Hughes takes a fluid approach to her ceramic practice, combining aspects of painting, collage, and printmaking into her w...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Mixed Media

Materials

Ceramic, Paper, Acrylic

Surreal Collage: Dem Bones
Located in New York, NY
Barnett, a surrealist artist incorporates discarded mechanical objects and gadgets into his artwork. His work is characterized by its unique and ecl...
Category

2010s Surrealist Mixed Media

Materials

Paper, Color Pencil

"Urbane Profile, " Mixed-Media Tile, 2007
Located in Chicago, IL
Liverpool-based artist Pauline Hughes takes a fluid approach to her ceramic practice, integrating techniques of painting, collage, and printmaking into ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Mixed Media

Materials

Ceramic, Paper, Acrylic

Superbloom
Located in West Hollywood, CA
"Superbloom" is made with acrylic, oil pastel, paper, glitter, thread and clay on canvas and paper mache. This bright and vividly colored sculptural painting is a perfect example of the power of unrestrained creativity. INSPIRATION BEHIND THE WORK - What began as an experiment in creating rose petals slowly evolved into this deconstructed "Superbloom". At the center of these petals is a seemingly chaotic arrangement of color and texture. Yet, from slow observation, patterns and repetition emerge. What can be easily grouped into a "whole" is actually a balancing act of orchestrated parts - the same as every living organism we observe. There is a mystery to be savored in every act of living - as well as in viewing the traces of life left behind. "Superbloom" was made in love of the former, and leaves behind the latter. We'll never fully understand all the bits of a rose, or all the brushstrokes of a painting, but we're always welcome to bask in the sunshine that is loving without knowing. ABOUT THE ARTIST: Los Angeles based artist, Megan Dune...
Category

2010s Surrealist Mixed Media

Materials

Clay, Canvas, Thread, Paper, Oil Pastel, Glitter, Acrylic

Surreal Collage: The Definition of Insanity
Located in New York, NY
Barnett, a surrealist artist incorporates discarded mechanical objects and gadgets into his artwork. His work is characterized by its unique and eclectic mix of materials, which rang...
Category

2010s Surrealist Mixed Media

Materials

Watercolor, Color Pencil, Graphite

Surreal Collage: Prototypes #3
Located in New York, NY
Barnett, a surrealist artist incorporates discarded mechanical objects and gadgets into his artwork. His work is characterized by its unique and ecl...
Category

2010s Surrealist Mixed Media

Materials

Pastel, Found Objects, Acrylic, Pencil

Surreal Collage: The Descendant
Located in New York, NY
Combining found elements with those fashioned by my own hand, my work encompasses two- and three-dimensional collage as well as sculptural objects. Infused with a rich sense of histo...
Category

2010s Surrealist Mixed Media

Materials

Mixed Media

Magic Realism Figurative Artwork, "Abundance (Nine of Pentacles)"
Located in San Diego, CA
A 17” x 21” x 1" Magic Realism Figurative Artwork by artist Evgeniya Golik. The artist uses Alcohol Ink, Colored Pencils, Acrylic, & Imitation Gold Leaf on Mineral Paper. A certifica...
Category

2010s Surrealist Mixed Media

Materials

Gold Leaf

Magic Realism Figurative Artwork, "Opium (Death)" by Evgeniya Golik
Located in San Diego, CA
An 18”x 22" x .75" Magic Realism Figurative Artwork by artist Evgeniya Golik. A certificate of authenticity will accompany the piece upon its purchase or delivery. Evgeniya Golik (...
Category

2010s Surrealist Mixed Media

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Surreal Collage: Arduous Journey
Located in New York, NY
Combining found elements with those fashioned by my own hand, my work encompasses two- and three-dimensional collage as well as sculptural objects. Infused with a rich sense of histo...
Category

2010s Surrealist Mixed Media

Materials

Mixed Media

Surreal Collage: Cyclopaedia
Located in New York, NY
Combining found elements with those fashioned by my own hand, my work encompasses two- and three-dimensional collage as well as sculptural objects. Infused with a rich sense of histo...
Category

2010s Surrealist Mixed Media

Materials

Mixed Media

Kazimir
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Jessie Laura was born in Lima, Peru. She creates analog collages, using art to examine her everyday reality. "My work explores the workings of the mind. Nature, structure, paradoxe...
Category

2010s Surrealist Mixed Media

Materials

Mixed Media

Hair #1
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Jessie Laura was born in Lima, Peru. She creates analog collages, using art to examine her everyday reality. "My work explores the workings of the mind. Nature, structure, paradoxe...
Category

2010s Surrealist Mixed Media

Materials

Mixed Media

Every1 s a Winner
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Michele Luger addresses the unknown, the hidden away, and deep feelings of nostalgia, for a place or time you've never lived. In her collage work, she explores the ways in which we mask...
Category

2010s Surrealist Mixed Media

Materials

Mixed Media

Party Queen - Maximalist surrealist wall sculpture
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This surrealist figurative wall sculpture was made by artist Megan Dune is a maximalists' dream. It is assembled with multiple materials, including acrylic ...
Category

2010s Surrealist Mixed Media

Materials

Paper, Glitter, Acrylic

Figurative Painting on Tile, "Alberta"
Located in San Diego, CA
This is an original painting on glazed tile by Southern California artist, Cheryl Tall. Its dimensions are 8.8" x 10.8" x 1.5". It is framed as pictured. A certificate of authenticit...
Category

2010s Surrealist Mixed Media

Materials

Mixed Media

Figurative Painting on Tile, "Miranda"
Located in San Diego, CA
This is an original painting on glazed tile by Southern California artist, Cheryl Tall. Its dimensions are 8.8" x 10.8" x 1.5". It is framed as pictured. A certificate of authenticit...
Category

2010s Surrealist Mixed Media

Materials

Mixed Media

Surrealist Painting on Tile, "Harlequin Griffon"
Located in San Diego, CA
This is an original painting on glazed tile by Southern California artist, Cheryl Tall. Its dimensions are 8.8" x 10.8" x 1.5". It is framed as pictured. A certificate of authenticit...
Category

2010s Surrealist Mixed Media

Materials

Mixed Media

Surrealist Mixed Media Artwork, "Sophia"
Located in San Diego, CA
This is an original mixed media artwork by Southern California artist, Cheryl Tall. Its dimensions are 8" x 10" x .75". It is unframed. A certificate of authenticity will follow deli...
Category

2010s Surrealist Mixed Media

Materials

Mixed Media

Surrealist Painting on Tile, "Blue Ocean"
Located in San Diego, CA
This is an original painting on glazed tile by Southern California artist, Cheryl Tall. Its dimensions are 8.8" x 10.8" x 1.5". It is framed as pictured. A certificate of authenticit...
Category

2010s Surrealist Mixed Media

Materials

Mixed Media

Surrealist Painting on Tile, "Alter Ago I"
Located in San Diego, CA
This is an original painting on glazed tile by Southern California artist, Cheryl Tall. Its dimensions are 8.8" x 10.8" x 1.5". It is framed as pictured. A certificate of authenticit...
Category

2010s Surrealist Mixed Media

Materials

Mixed Media

Surrealist Painting on Tile, "Alter Ago II"
Located in San Diego, CA
This is an original painting on glazed tile by Southern California artist, Cheryl Tall. Its dimensions are 8.8" x 10.8" x 1.5". It is framed as pictured. A certificate of authenticit...
Category

2010s Surrealist Mixed Media

Materials

Mixed Media

Surrealist Painting on Tile, "Flora"
Located in San Diego, CA
This is an original painting on glazed tile by Southern California artist, Cheryl Tall. Its dimensions are 8.8" x 10.8" x 1.5". It is framed as pictured. A certificate of authenticit...
Category

2010s Surrealist Mixed Media

Materials

Mixed Media

Surrealist Painting on Tile, "Tangerine Zinger"
Located in San Diego, CA
This is an original painting on glazed tile by Southern California artist, Cheryl Tall. Its dimensions are 8.8" x 10.8" x 1.5". It is framed as pictured. A certificate of authenticit...
Category

2010s Surrealist Mixed Media

Materials

Mixed Media

Surrealist Mixed Media Artwork, "Two Brothers with Griffon"
Located in San Diego, CA
This is an original mixed media artwork by Southern California artist, Cheryl Tall. Its dimensions are 8" x 10" x .75". It is unframed. A certificate of authenticity will follow deli...
Category

2010s Surrealist Mixed Media

Materials

Mixed Media

Surrealist Mixed Media Artwork, "Ladders"
Located in San Diego, CA
This is an original mixed media artwork by Southern California artist, Cheryl Tall. Its dimensions are 8" x 10" x .75". It is unframed. A certifica...
Category

2010s Surrealist Mixed Media

Materials

Mixed Media

Surrealist Mixed Media Artwork, "Circle Dance"
Located in San Diego, CA
This is an original mixed media artwork by Southern California artist, Cheryl Tall. Its dimensions are 12" x 12" x .75". It is unframed. A certificate of authenticity will follow del...
Category

2010s Surrealist Mixed Media

Materials

Mixed Media

Drool
Located in West Hollywood, CA
"Drool" is a surrealist and brightly colored wall installation by artist Megan Dune, constructed with acrylic, colored pencil, paper, glitter, thread, foil ...
Category

2010s Surrealist Mixed Media

Materials

Foil

Loud Mouth - colorful surrealist portrait
Located in West Hollywood, CA
"Loud Mouth" is a surrealist multi-media sculptural painting made with acrylic, paper, fabric, beads on a canvas and wood. The figures' mouth, made from wood, extends past the painting bringing the painting to life. The lashes on the figure are extended with thread which has been sewn into the canvas. INSPIRATION BEHIND THE WORK - "'Loud Mouth' was brought to life via a string of impulses similar to the ones that may lead to someone being pegged as a "loudmouth." A "loudmouth" is defined by the Oxford Dictionary as "a person who tends to talk too much in an offensive or tactless way." In my experience, however, "loudmouth" is usually used to describe someone who fits into only the first part of that definition (talks "too much"), and as a result — regardless of what they're saying — is perceived as too loud. Surely, of course, there are also those that fall into the offensive or tactless zone, but this painting isn't about them. This painting is about those who are so busy being their wonderful selves, they don't have the time or care to consider how others perceive them. It is a celebration of being genuine and sticking out past expected boundaries because you are confident in the worth of your spill-over." - Artist Megan Dune...
Category

2010s Surrealist Mixed Media

Materials

Fabric, Canvas, Wood, Paper, Acrylic

Untitled 2, Surrealist Mixed Media Painting on Paper by Edward Henderson
Located in Long Island City, NY
This mixed media painting on paper was created by American artist Edward Henderson (b. 1951). Henderson describes his process as an attempt to relinquish our comfortable recollection...
Category

1990s Surrealist Mixed Media

Materials

Paint, Paper, Mixed Media

" Surrealist collage "
Located in CANNES, FR
Max Bucaille ( 1906 -1996 ) . French artist . Surrealist collage realized in 1938-1939 . 10 x 16 cm image 16 x 23 cm feuille 39 x 45 cm vintage liege ...
Category

1930s Surrealist Mixed Media

Materials

Mixed Media

Surrealist Collage IV-47
Located in CANNES, FR
Max Bucaille ( 1906-1996 ) " collage IV- 47 " : collage on paper , signed Max Bucaille and dated IV 1947 . framed Original vintage velvet : 40,5 x 35,5 cm x 3 cm . paper : 24 x ...
Category

1940s Surrealist Mixed Media

Materials

Magazine Paper

Surrealist mixed media for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Surrealist mixed media available for sale on 1stDibs. Works in this style were very popular during the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artists have continued to produce works inspired by this movement. If you’re looking to add mixed media created in this style to introduce contrast in an otherwise neutral space in your home, the works available on 1stDibs include elements of blue, purple, orange, red and other colors. Many Pop art paintings were created by popular artists on 1stDibs, including Heejin Sutton, Libby Ramage, Michele Luger, and Max Ernst. Frequently made by artists working with Mixed Media, and Paper and other materials, all of these pieces for sale are unique and have attracted attention over the years. Not every interior allows for large Surrealist mixed media, so small editions measuring 4 inches across are also available. Prices for mixed media made by famous or emerging artists can differ depending on medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $112 and tops out at $179,950, while the average work sells for $1,711.