André Breton
André Breton was a French writer, poet, and surrealist theorist born on February 19, 1896, in Tinchebray, France, and died on September 28, 1966, in Paris. He is widely recognized as the principal founder of Surrealism, a cultural movement that began in the early 1920s and aimed to resolve the previously contradictory conditions of dream and reality into an absolute reality, or "super-reality."
Early Life and Career
- Breton studied medicine and psychiatry at the University of Paris, where he was influenced by the work of Sigmund Freud, particularly Freud's theories on the unconscious mind.
- During World War I, Breton worked in a neurological ward in Nantes, where he became interested in the workings of the mind, especially in relation to art and literature.
Surrealism
After the war, Breton, along with Louis Aragon and Philippe Soupault, began experimenting with automatic writing, which they believed could reveal the workings of the unconscious mind. This led to the publication of "Les Champs Magnétiques" in 1920, considered one of the first works of Surrealist literature.
- In 1924, Breton published the first "Surrealist Manifesto," which outlined the principles of Surrealism, emphasizing the importance of dreams, the irrational, and the transformative power of the unconscious.
- Breton's manifesto defined Surrealism as "pure psychic automatism, by which one proposes to express, either verbally, in writing, or by any other method, the real functioning of thought."
Key Works
- Nadja (1928) - A novel where Breton explores the concept of love and madness through his encounter with a woman named Nadja.
- L'Amour fou (1937) - A book that delves into the surrealist idea of chance encounters and love.
- Arcane 17 (1945) - A poetic work reflecting on the aftermath of World War II.
Political Engagement
Breton was politically active, aligning Surrealism with various revolutionary movements. He was:
- Initially involved with the Communist Party of France, but later broke with it over ideological differences.
- Interested in the political implications of art, often integrating his artistic theories with political activism.
Legacy
Breton's influence extended beyond literature into painting, film, and other art forms. His work continues to inspire:
- Artists and writers around the world to explore the depths of the human psyche.
- The ongoing relevance of Surrealism in contemporary art and culture.
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