Surrealism in Latin America: Exhibition extended until April 5th in Berlin!

Surrealism in Latin America: Exhibition extended until April 5th in Berlin!

The exhibition “Surrealism in Latin America: Magazines and Artists’ Books” at the Latin America Institute of the Free University of Berlin will be extended until April 5, 2025. This decision comes as part of the nationwide Night of Libraries, which honors one of the most influential art and literary movements of the last 100 years. The exhibition, which has been on view in Berlin since mid-December 2024, provides exciting insights into the Latin American surrealist avant-garde.

Curated by Prof. Dr. Susanne Klengel, the exhibition shows a variety of magazines and artists' books, including numerous first editions that come from the holdings of the Ibero-American Institute. It sheds light on the spread of the Surrealist movement and its connection to the Latin American avant-gardes. The Free University of Berlin reports that The exhibition was realized in the context of the centenary of André Breton's surrealist manifesto. This manifesto was published in Paris on October 15, 1924 and is considered the cornerstone of Surrealism.

Influence of Surrealism in Latin America

Surrealism was not just a movement, but a subversive, poetic form of expression that influenced art and poetry worldwide. In Latin America, intellectuals, artists and poets became interested in the ideas of surrealism early on. Rediceisal highlights that They created their own artistic works through translations and reporting on surrealist texts. This led to groundbreaking poetic activities that flowed into the magnetic field of Latin American avant-garde currents.

The exhibition puts the exhibits in a historical context to provide regional and thematic insights. The diverse history of surrealism in Latin America is presented. It is thanks to many artists and intellectuals that this movement is so deeply rooted in Latin America PIM as well impressively document the Free University of Berlin.

Important personalities

André Breton himself is considered one of the most important French poets of the 20th century and had a decisive influence on the Surrealist movement. Born in rural France in 1896, he developed a deep interest in the aberrations of the human mind and was a leading figure in both literature and the visual arts. Together with Philippe Soupault, he coined the term “surrealism” and introduced the idea that the wonderful forms the basis of literary creations.

One of his most famous works is “Nadja” (1926), in which he artfully blurs the boundaries between reality and fantasy. In examining the influences of surrealism on Latin America, the exhibition shows the impact of Breton's ideas on artists and writers there.

A special tour of the exhibition will take place on April 5, 2025, led by Prof. Dr. Susanne Klengel is headed. This is an opportunity for those interested to gain deeper insights into the exhibition and the concepts behind it.