Surrealism.

Following World War 2 many artists were attracted to Paris and experimented with 'automism', a process of creativity without thought.

This was a continuation of the modernist art movement known as 'Dada' where artists would use everyday items and technology to convey their message.

Their works were creations of dreams and the subconscious that brought juxtaposed, absurd elements together.  Salvador Dali was one of the more famous of these artists and the following are two of his works.

 

 

The Face of War.  1940,  Salvador Dali.

 

 

 

 

Photography quickly became a part of surrealism using exposure techniques, printing and mirrors as shown by these early examples by French photographer Maurice Tabard.

 

 

Composition (Nude, montage with gloves, Maurice Tabard 1929)

 

 

Todays photographers can create amazing surreal images using Photoshop that will certainly make you look twice.  Erik Johansson is a hugely successful photographer/retoucher/artist.  The following are an example of his work.

Downside of the upside.  (2009 Erik Johansson.)

 

 

Skryktalig (Tough)                                                                  A Painting Too Real

 

 

I have created an image which places the same school boy in the image three times. For a more surreal effect the liquify tool was used on the mirror.