Waking Visions, a groundbreaking exhibition that delves into the imaginative worlds of contemporary female artists who are redefining Surrealism for the 21st century. This exhibition will be held from February 5th to March 16th, 2025, in the museum’s contemporary art space, a venue dedicated to supporting and nurturing living artists.
Surrealism: A Century of Dreamscapes and Revolution
2024 marked the centenary of Surrealism, a revolutionary movement that emerged in the aftermath of World War I, when artists and writers sought to explore the subconscious and the power of dreams as a means of transcending the harsh realities of their time. With the publication of André Breton’s first Surrealist Manifesto in 1924, the movement rapidly gained traction, attracting a diverse group of artists including Salvador Dalí, René Magritte, Max Ernst, and women pioneers like Leonora Carrington and Dorothea Tanning.
Surrealism’s emphasis on the irrational and the dreamlike opened new avenues for artistic exploration, challenging traditional norms and embracing the unpredictable. The movement's influence extended beyond visual arts, permeating literature, film, and theatre. Its enduring legacy is evident today as artists continue to draw inspiration from its techniques and philosophies.
As Germany prepares to celebrate Surrealism with major exhibitions in 2025, the Samurai Museum Berlin’s Waking Visions seeks to highlight the often-overlooked contributions of female Surrealists, both past and present. This exhibition underscores the ongoing relevance of Surrealism as a means of exploring identity, society, and the subconscious.