The Surrealist names to know
If you remember one Surrealist artist, make it Frida Kahlo (1907–1954), the name behind Self portrait with Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird and Frida Kahlo - `The Two Fridas`. After that come Salvador Dalí, Joan Miró, René Magritte and Max Ernst. Our 86 picks go from Pierre Roy (born 1880) to George Condo (born 1957), from 29 countries.
How we picked them. We list the artists our catalogue links to Surrealist, from the most famous down. Artists born after 1955 that we cannot yet check on Wikidata are left out. The Wikipedia number shows in how many of our 32 languages Wikipedia writes about them.
Quick facts
Meet them one by one
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Mexican From Coyoacán Surrealism, Mexican folk art, Realism On Wikipedia in 32 of 32 languages
Coyoacán, Mexico City, provides the setting for the birth of Magdalena Carmen Frieda Kahlo y Calderón on July 6, 1907. By 1922, she enters the National Preparatory School in Mexico City, one of only thirty-five female students in the institution.
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Spanish From Figueres Surrealism On Wikipedia in 32 of 32 languages
Salvador Dalí entered the world at 8:45 am on May 11, 1904. He was born on the first floor of Carrer Monturiol, 20, in Figueres, Spain.
See them at To find his traces, one can travel to Figueres, Spain, where the Dalí Theatre-Museum sits.
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Spanish From Barcelona ['Surrealism', 'Fauvism', 'Expressionism'] On Wikipedia in 32 of 32 languages
While studying business, he concurrently enrolls in art classes at the Escuela Superior de Artes Industriales y Bellas Artes. His formal training deepens between 1912 and 1915, as he studies under Francesc Galí at the Escola d’Art.
See them at The most concentrated encounter with his creative output occurs on the Montjuïc hill in Barcelona, Spain.
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Belgian From Lessines Surrealism On Wikipedia in 32 of 32 languages
A profound shadow fell over his adolescence in 1912 when his mother, Régina Bertinchamps, died by suicide. His formal training began in earnest at the Académie Royale des Beaux-Arts in Brussels, where he studied from 1916 to 1918.
See them at The preservation of his visual puzzles is distributed across several major institutions, ensuring his presence remains felt in both Europe and the Americas.
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German From Brühl ['Dada', 'Surrealism'] On Wikipedia in 30 of 32 languages
Max Ernst entered the world on April 2, 1891, in Brühl, Germany. By 1909, while he was a student at the University of Bonn, Max Ernst began to paint. Seeing the works of Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, and Paul Gauguin changed his perspective.
See them at Finding the traces of Max Ernst's restless imagination requires a trip through several major cultural hubs.
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Italian From Volos Metaphysical art On Wikipedia in 29 of 32 languages
Born on 10 July 1888 in Volos, Greece, Giuseppe Maria Alberto Giorgio de Chirico entered a world shaped by movement and diverse roots.
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Swiss From Chur Biomechanical Surrealism On Wikipedia in 24 of 32 languages
Giger (1940-2014) remains one of the most distinctive and unsettling figures in 20th-century art. Born in Chur, Switzerland, Giger’s artistic journey began not with brushes and canvas, but with a fascination for architecture and industrial design, disciplines he studied before dedicating himself fully to his singular, intensely personal style. He was profoundly affected by the 1979 film Alien, specifically Ridley Scott’s vision for the creature itself.
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Polish From Sanok Surrealism On Wikipedia in 25 of 32 languages
To step into the canvas of Zdzisław Beksiński is to wander through a landscape where the boundaries between dreams and nightmares dissolve into a singular, haunting reality. Born in 1929 in Sanok, Poland, Beksiński emerged as one of the most profound architects of the subconscious, crafting a visual language that transcends mere horror to touch upon the existential dread of the human condition.
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American From Philadelphia Dada, Surrealism
Born in 1890 in Philadelphia to Russian Jewish immigrant parents, his journey from aspiring painter to pioneering photographer and filmmaker embodies the radical artistic ferment of the early 20th century. Early influences included the European avant-garde showcased at Alfred Stieglitz's 291 gallery, and the gritty realism of the Ashcan School – a blend that would subtly inform his later work.
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Swiss From Borgonovo Surrealism, Existentialism
Alberto Giacometti, a name synonymous with the hauntingly elongated figures that define much of 20th-century sculpture, was born in 1901 amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Borgonovo, Switzerland. His father, Giovanni Giacometti, was a respected Post-Impressionist painter, and this familial immersion provided both encouragement and a foundation upon which young Alberto could build.
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Spanish-Mexican From Anglès Para-Surrealism On Wikipedia in 19 of 32 languages
In the quiet corners of her studio, Remedios Varo worked with a meticulousness that mirrored the technical drawings of her father, a hydraulic engineer. Her upbringing in Anglès, Spain, provided a foundation of duality. She moved through the world with a curious eye, absorbing the landscapes of her frequent relocations and the formal training she received at the Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando in Madrid.
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British-Mexican From Clayton-le-Woods Surrealism On Wikipedia in 22 of 32 languages
Born Mary Leonora Carrington in 1917 amidst the verdant landscapes of Clayton Woods, Lancashire, England, the artist who would become a pivotal figure in Surrealism was, from her earliest years, an individual set apart. Expulsions from two schools – including New Hall School in Chelmsford – signaled a rebellious streak, a refusal to be molded by conventional norms.
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French-American From 8th arrondissement of Paris Surrealism On Wikipedia in 26 of 32 languages
A pivotal moment arrived in 1923 when, while riding a bus through Paris, he glimpsed paintings by Giorgio de Chirico. Works like “ Slowly Toward The North ” (1942) exemplify this haunting quality, drawing the viewer into a desolate yet strangely compelling world. Tanguy's life took another significant turn in 1939 when he fled Europe with his first wife, Jeannette Ducrocq, escaping the looming shadow of World War II.
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American From Galesburg Surrealism On Wikipedia in 20 of 32 languages
Dorothea Margaret Tanning, born August 25, 1910, in Galesburg, Illinois, emerged from a lineage of Swedish immigrants, inheriting a quiet fortitude that would subtly underpin her boldly imaginative art.
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Argentinian-Italian From Buenos Aires Surrealism On Wikipedia in 16 of 32 languages
Born in Buenos Aires in 1907, and raised amidst the shifting landscapes of Trieste, Italy, Leonor Fini was an artist whose life itself felt like a perpetual act of transformation. She quickly became immersed in the vibrant Surrealist scene, forging friendships with Paul Éluard, Max Ernst (with whom she had a significant romantic relationship), Georges Bataille, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Picasso, André Pieyre de Mandiargues, and Salvador Dalí.
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French From Balagny-sur-Thérain ['Surrealism', 'Cubism'] On Wikipedia in 21 of 32 languages
This early training provided a foundation for his later experimentation with various styles. His initial work showed an interest in Cubism, demonstrating an early engagement with modern art movements.
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Swiss-German From Berlin Surrealism On Wikipedia in 18 of 32 languages
Family moved to Delémont, Switzerland, due to her father’s military service during World War I. Inspired by her aunt, Ruth Wenger, and her modern lifestyle.
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Cuban From Sagua La Grande Surrealism, Cubism On Wikipedia in 16 of 32 languages
Wifredo Óscar de la Concepción Lam y Castilla, known simply as Wifredo Lam, was a painter who embodied the complexities of cultural identity in the 20th century. Born in Sagua La Grande, Cuba, in 1902, his very lineage spoke to the island’s layered history – a father descended from Chinese immigrants and a mother tracing her roots back to Spanish conquistadors and enslaved Africans.
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Romanian-French From Piatra Neamț Surrealism On Wikipedia in 14 of 32 languages
Victor Brauner, born in Piatra Neamt, Romania, in 1903, embarked on an artistic journey deeply intertwined with spiritual currents and a restless exploration of form.
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Chilean From Santiago ['Surrealism', 'Abstract Expressionism'] On Wikipedia in 15 of 32 languages
Education: Studied architecture at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, graduating in 1935. His work was heavily influenced by Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytic theories.
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German-Jewish From Osnabrück Surrealism, New Objectivity On Wikipedia in 17 of 32 languages
Born in Osnabrück, Germany, in 1904, his life unfolded against the backdrop of rising nationalism and escalating persecution, culminating in the horrors of the Holocaust. His father, Philipp Nussbaum, a World War I veteran with an early passion for painting himself, recognized and nurtured his son's talent, providing encouragement that would prove vital in the darkening years to come.
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American From Nyack Assemblage, Surrealism On Wikipedia in 14 of 32 languages
Joseph Cornell, born on Christmas Eve in 1903 in Nyack, New York, remains one of the most singular and profoundly affecting figures in American art. Though largely self-taught, his exposure to the burgeoning Surrealist movement in New York during the 1930s proved pivotal.
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Austrian From Vienna Fantastic Realism On Wikipedia in 16 of 32 languages
Ernst Fuchs (1930–2015) was far more than a mere painter; he was a multidisciplinary visionary who wove together the threads of sculpture, architecture, music, and poetry to create a singular, hallucinatory universe. The heart of Fuchs’s legacy lies in his role as a founding pillar of the Vienna School of Fantastic Realism.
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Belgian From Huy Surrealism On Wikipedia in 24 of 32 languages
He sought the guidance of established figures, studying under Constant Montald, Alfred Bastien, and Jean Delville. By the time he completed a significant body of work between 1920 and 1925, the transition from student to a distinct painter was well underway.
See them at For those seeking to encounter his visual language in its most concentrated form, the Paul Delvaux Museum in Saint-Idesbald, Belgium, remains the primary destination.
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French From 6th arrondissement of Paris Surrealist Photography On Wikipedia in 22 of 32 languages
Dora Maar (Henriette Theodora Markovitch, 1907-1997) remains a captivating figure in the annals of 20th-century art – a photographer, painter, and intellectual whose life was inextricably intertwined with the turbulent currents of Surrealism, political activism, and the passionate intensity of her relationship with Pablo Picasso. Early Life and Artistic Beginnings: Born in Paris to a Croatian architect father and a French mother, Maar’s early years were spent in Buenos Aires.
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Italian From Rome Surrealist fashion
Her father, Celestino Schiaparelli, a renowned scholar of Islamic studies and Sanskrit, cultivated an environment rich in learning, while her uncle, the astronomer Giovanni Schiaparelli – famed for his observations of Martian “canals” – sparked within her a lifelong fascination with the cosmos and the unconventional.
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British From Kensington Surrealism, Modernism
Paul Nash was born on May 11, 1889, in London. Early Influences: Nash was heavily influenced by William Blake and J.M.
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Spanish From Olalla Fantasy illustration
The late 1970s witnessed Royo’s initial forays into publication, with work appearing in influential Spanish magazines like Comix Rambla Internacional and El Vibora, spaces where he honed his skills and began to develop the distinctive style that would soon captivate a global audience.
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American From New York City Surrealism, Avant-garde
julien levy, a renowned art dealer and owner of julien levy gallery in new york city, was born on january 22, 1906. he studied museum administration at harvard under the guidance of paul j. sachs but dropped out shortly before graduating.
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American From Long Beach Surrealism and fantasy realism
Jim Warren stands apart as a singular figure in contemporary illustration, recognized primarily for his mesmerizing book cover designs that seamlessly blend surrealism and fantasy realism. Born November 24, 1949, in Long Beach, California, Warren’s artistic journey began organically—a childhood fascination with painting blossoming into a lifelong dedication to crafting dreamlike images that transport viewers to fantastical realms.
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American From Sikeston Magical Realism
From his earliest years, Parkes displayed an exceptional aptitude for artistic expression, excelling in drawing, painting, and sculpture; a foundation built upon formal training at the University of Kansas and later refined at the University of California, Berkeley. He reveres the Renaissance masters— Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo—for their anatomical precision and masterful compositions, while acknowledging the surrealist provocations of Salvador Dalí.
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French From Lyon Surrealism
Maurice Tabard, born in Lyon, France on July 12, 1897, emerged as a significant figure within the burgeoning Surrealist movement, though his path to artistic recognition was uniquely shaped by a blend of familial influence and transatlantic experience. A pivotal moment arrived in 1914 when his father’s business necessitated a relocation to New York City, an event that irrevocably altered Tabard’s artistic trajectory.
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British Surrealism
George Wallace Jardine (1920–2002) remains a singular figure in British surrealism, celebrated for his evocative depictions of the Scottish Highlands and his masterful manipulation of printmaking techniques. Born in Glasgow, Jardine’s artistic journey began with formative years spent studying at Wallasey School of Art and furthering his education at the Royal College of Art under luminaries like Paul Nash and Stanley Spencer.
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British From Streatham Surrealism On Wikipedia in 13 of 32 languages
Born in Streatham, London, in 1903, Sutherland’s journey was one of constant metamorphosis. His initial foray into the technical world of an apprenticeship at the Midland Railway Locomotive Works provided a foundation of precision that would later manifest in his intricate printmaking and textured oil paintings.
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French From Nantes Surrealism
Claude Cahun (Lucy Renée Mathilde Schwob), born Nantes, France in 1894, was a singular figure in the surrealist movement and beyond—a photographer, sculptor, writer, and performer who relentlessly interrogated notions of identity and gender. Cahun adopted the pseudonym ‘claude cahun’ in 1914, a deliberate act of defiance that signaled her commitment to exploring fluid boundaries between male and female experience.
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From Lviv
Born in Lviv, Ukraine in 1949, Oleksandr Aksinin emerged as a significant figure within the Soviet art scene. He quickly gravitated towards etching, a printmaking technique that would become synonymous with his name and define his artistic legacy.
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Mexican From Celaya Surrealism, Metamorphic Art On Wikipedia in 9 of 32 languages
This immersion in diverse disciplines—film, theater, visual arts—cultivated a holistic understanding of expression and narrative. However, by 1976, Ocampo made a pivotal decision: to dedicate himself entirely to the realms of paint and form.
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American Photography, Surrealism
Frederick Sommer (1905 – 1999) stands as a singular figure in American photography and visual art, recognized for his hauntingly beautiful desert landscapes and his pioneering exploration of photographic techniques.
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Romanian-American From Râmnicu Sărat Modernist Cartooning On Wikipedia in 17 of 32 languages
His journey began in Râmnicu Sărat, Romania, born into a family of Russian Jewish descent, and was shaped by a life defined by movement, displacement, and an ever-watchful eye for the absurdities of modern existence. After initial studies in Bucharest, Steinberg moved to Milan in 1933 to study at the Polytechnic University, graduating with honors in 1940.
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Italian From Rome Futurist Art
Luigi Serafini, born in Rome in 1949, occupies a singular space in the contemporary imagination, acting as both an architect of physical structures and a cartographer of impossible worlds. Raised within an artistic lineage, Serafini’s early life was steeped in the nuances of form and design, a foundation that would later allow him to bridge the gap between the rigorous logic of architecture and the fluid chaos of surrealist fantasy.
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From San Cristóbal de La Laguna On Wikipedia in 10 of 32 languages
Domínguez, a Spanish surrealist painter, was born on January 3, 1906, in San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain.
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German From Katowice Surrealism, Photography On Wikipedia in 15 of 32 languages
Born in Katowice, Poland – then part of the German Empire – Bellmer’s artistic journey was shaped by personal trauma, political upheaval, and an increasingly acute awareness of the manipulation inherent within mass culture. However, a pivotal moment arrived in 1926 when he abandoned this career path, declaring an intention not to produce work that could serve the burgeoning fascist regime of Nazi Germany.
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German Surrealism
Michael Sowa (born 1945) is a German artist whose distinctive style—characterized by whimsical, surrealist paintings featuring anthropomorphic animals—has garnered international acclaim.
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From Toruń
Born in 1952 in Toruń, Poland, Jacek Yerka emerged from a deeply artistic family. Both his parents were graduates of the local Fine Art Academy, immersing him in a world of paints, inks, and brushes from an early age.
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From Monmouth, New Jersey
McBean’s initial artistic pursuits lay in the realm of theatrical design. He began his career crafting masks and scenery, developing a keen eye for visual storytelling and dramatic presentation.
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Austrian-Mexican From Vienna Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism On Wikipedia in 9 of 32 languages
Wolfgang Paalen, born in Vienna in 1905 into a family steeped in both wealth and intellectual curiosity, embarked on an artistic journey that would defy easy categorization.
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American Surrealist photography
Clarence John Laughlin (1905 – 1985) wasn’t merely a photographer; he was an architect of atmosphere, a conjurer of forgotten landscapes and spectral narratives. Born in Lake Charles, Louisiana, into a family grappling with the sudden loss of their rice-growing fortune, Laughlin's early life instilled within him a profound sense of melancholy and a deep connection to the evocative spirit of the American South.
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Danish From Copenhagen Abstract art, realistic surrealism On Wikipedia in 12 of 32 languages
The formative years of Wilhelm Freddie’s career were defined by a rigorous technical foundation in Copenhagen.
See them at The physical presence of Freddie's work remains scattered across several major international institutions, reflecting the reach of his once-controversial imagery.
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Mexican Surrealist photography; Mexican muralism
Manuel Álvarez Bravo stands as Mexico’s inaugural principal artistic photographer and remains the cornerstone of twentieth-century Latin American visual culture. Born in Mexico City on February 4, 1902, his creative journey began amidst a formative backdrop—the historic center of Mexico City nestled behind the cathedral, populated by former colonial buildings transformed into residences for the city’s burgeoning middle class.
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Armenian, Ukrainian From Tbilisi Surrealism, Folklore
His parents, Iosif Paradjanov and Siranush Bejanova, were both artists – his father a painter, his mother a sculptor – fostering an environment where art was not merely a profession but a way of life.
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Argentine-British From Buenos Aires Surrealism On Wikipedia in 9 of 32 languages
Eileen Forrester Agar, born in the vibrant city of Buenos Aires in 1899 to a Scottish father and American mother, was an artist whose life and work embodied a fascinating interplay of cultures and artistic movements. Agar’s formal training began at Heathfield St Mary's School, followed by studies at the Byam Shaw School of Art in 1919 and later, the prestigious Slade School of Fine Art from 1925 to 1926.
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American From Concord Artificial Realism On Wikipedia in 7 of 32 languages
The encounter with Jean-Michel Basquiat in 1979 proved transformative, prompting a relocation to New York City and a full immersion into the burgeoning art world. A brief stint working at Andy Warhol’s Factory further honed his technical skills, contributing to the silkscreen production of Warhol's Myths series through the application of diamond dust—a subtle yet significant detail that speaks to Condo’s fascination with surface and illusion.
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Portuguese From Lisbon Surrealism, Poetry
Born in Lisbon, Portugal, on August 9th, 1923, into a family marked by both privilege and quiet turmoil, Mário Cesariny de Vasconcelos emerged as one of the most distinctive voices of Portuguese surrealism. His father, Viriato de Vasconcelos, a skilled goldsmith, and his mother, María de las Mercedes Cesariny, a Spanish woman of French descent, experienced marital difficulties that cast a shadow over the family home.
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Hungarian From Kiskunfélegyháza Surrealism
Szanto’s early life was marked by a keen sensitivity to social issues, leading her initially towards applied arts before gravitating to the Hungarian Academy of Fine Arts in 1932. Joining the Socialist Group of Artists in 1934 signaled her early engagement with politically charged themes, but it was her move to Szentendre in 1937 that proved pivotal.
Works to know · Their 100 best-known works
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From Amadora 1920s Art Deco
His time in Angola, beginning in 1951, proved particularly significant; he worked at the Luanda Museum while simultaneously developing his poetic production. Early exhibitions during this time sparked considerable debate, demonstrating Seixas’s willingness to challenge expectations and provoke thought through unconventional imagery and object-based works.
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Russian-born From Dubrovka Surrealism, Neo-Romanticism On Wikipedia in 7 of 32 languages
Pavel Tchelitchew (1898-1957) was a Russian-born surrealist painter, set designer, and costume designer whose work captivated with its blend of fantastical realism, geometric abstraction, and deeply personal symbolism. Following the upheaval of the Russian Revolution, Tchelitchew’s family fled to Kiev, where he began formal training under Aleksandra Ekster, an influential figure in the avant-garde movement.
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Brazilian From Sao Joao do Rio Preto Engraving and draughtsmanship
Transitioned from wood engraving to metal engraving in the 1950s, marking a significant shift in his artistic practice. These influences shaped his early style and thematic concerns.
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Mexican From San Juan de los Lagos Surrealism, Folk Art On Wikipedia in 11 of 32 languages
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American From Watervliet Surrealism On Wikipedia in 11 of 32 languages
Katherine Linn Sage, known to the art world as Kay Sage, emerged as a distinctive voice within the Surrealist movement, yet her journey was one often overshadowed – first by societal expectations and later by the prominence of her husband, Yves Tanguy. Born in 1898 into a prosperous family in Albany, New York, Sage’s early life was marked by a sense of displacement.
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Argentine From San Fernando Avant-garde, Surrealism On Wikipedia in 9 of 32 languages
Oscar Agustín Alejandro Schulz Solari, known to the world as Xul Solar, was a figure who defied easy categorization. Born in San Fernando, Argentina, in 1887, his life and art were a vibrant tapestry woven with threads of cosmopolitan upbringing, esoteric exploration, and an unwavering dedication to artistic innovation.
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German From Magdeburg Surrealism On Wikipedia in 7 of 32 languages
Born in Magdeburg, Germany, Richard Oelze began his artistic journey at the School of Decorative Arts in Magdeburg. Between 1914 and 1918, he trained as a lithographer, while also attending evening classes to learn nude drawing under teachers such as Richard Winckel and Kurt Tuch. Oelze's travels took him through several European cities, including Dresden, Ascona in Switzerland, Berlin, and Paris.
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Romanian-American From Bucharest Abstract Expressionism, Surrealism On Wikipedia in 8 of 32 languages
Hedda Sterne, born Hedwig Lindenberg in Bucharest, Romania, in 1910, was an artist whose life and work embodied a fascinating intersection of cultures, movements, and personal philosophies.
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French From Nantes Surrealist On Wikipedia in 7 of 32 languages
Born in 1880, Pierre Roy was a French surrealist painter. In 1905, he committed himself to painting, beginning his exhibition history in 1906 at the Salon of the Société Nationale des Beaux-Arts (SNBA). Roy's career saw him exhibiting with the Société des Artistes Indépendants in 1907, 1908, 1913, and 1914.
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British From Shillong Surrealism, Occult art On Wikipedia in 6 of 32 languages
Born in the distant landscapes of Shillong, Assam, British India, in 1906, Margaret Ithell Colquhoun embarked on a life that would defy easy categorization. Her formal training continued at the Cheltenham School of Arts and Crafts, followed by a pivotal period at the prestigious Slade School of Fine Art in London (1927-1930), where she studied under Henry Tonks and Randolph Schwabe.
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Mexican From Mexico City Surrealism, Folk Art On Wikipedia in 10 of 32 languages
Francisco Benjamín López Toledo, born in Juchitán de Zaragoza, Oaxaca, in 1940, wasn’t merely an artist; he was a cultural architect, a passionate advocate for his homeland, and one of Mexico's most profoundly influential contemporary figures.
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Hungarian From Borota Expressionism, Surrealism On Wikipedia in 8 of 32 languages
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French From Saint-Mandé Surrealism On Wikipedia in 6 of 32 languages
Born in the quiet French suburb of Saint-Mandé, Jacqueline Lamba’s early life was a tapestry woven with threads of profound tragedy. Her childhood excursions to the Louvre, accompanied by her sister, planted the seeds of a lifelong devotion to visual splendor.
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Modern Art
Born in 1950, though specific details regarding his early life are intentionally scarce, Vlady’s artistic journey began with a profound fascination for the human condition and an exploration of inner emotional landscapes. The influence of classical masters like Rembrandt and Vermeer is palpable – particularly in Vlady's masterful use of light and shadow to create dramatic effect and evoke a sense of intimacy.
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Australian
Born on 16 April 1978, Caleb Lewis grew up within the orbit of a father whose profession was as demanding as it was physically isolating. His formal path into the dramatic arts began at the Flinders University Drama Centre.
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Argentine From Buenos Aires Expressionism, Surrealism On Wikipedia in 5 of 32 languages
Raquel Forner (1902–1988) stands as a monumental figure in the landscape of Latin American modernism, an artist whose brushstrokes did not merely capture light, but rather channeled the profound tremors of a century defined by upheaval. Born in Buenos Aires to a family of Basque heritage, Forner’s artistic consciousness was ignited at the tender age of thirteen during a transformative journey to Spain.
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Czech From Brno ['Conceptual art', 'Surrealism', 'Performance art'] On Wikipedia in 6 of 32 languages
Born in Brno, Czech Republic, in 1943, Lubo Kristek emerged as a significant voice in the post-war European art scene, defying easy categorization. From the outset, Kristek demonstrated a restless spirit, refusing to be confined by traditional mediums or approaches. A pivotal moment in Kristek's artistic development came with his relocation to West Germany in 1968, following the Prague Spring.
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Australian From Australia Surrealism On Wikipedia in 4 of 32 languages
James Timothy Gleeson (1915-2008) wasn’t merely an artist; he was a conjurer of landscapes, a weaver of nightmares and dreams, and arguably Australia's first true surrealist. Born in Hornsby, New South Wales, Gleeson's early life was marked by a profound sense of displacement.
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British From Dorking Surrealism, Printmaking On Wikipedia in 3 of 32 languages
Here, he encountered some of the most significant figures of the avant-garde – Max Ernst, Oskar Kokoschka, Joan Miró, and Pablo Picasso – artists who challenged conventional notions of representation and embraced the power of the subconscious. He became a founding member of the British Surrealist Group in 1936, participating in the landmark International Surrealist Exhibition held in London that same year.
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Australian From Adelaide Precisionism On Wikipedia in 5 of 32 languages
Frank Jeffrey Edson Smart, known universally as Jeffrey Smart, emerged onto the Australian art scene from a childhood steeped in both encouragement and constraint.
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English From Ledbury Surrealism On Wikipedia in 4 of 32 languages
Conroy Maddox, born in the quiet Herefordshire town of Ledbury in 1912, was a figure destined to disrupt artistic conventions. He delved into the works of Max Ernst, Óscar Domínguez, and Salvador Dalí, not as objects of imitation but as catalysts for his own unique vision. Maddox quickly became a central figure in the burgeoning Birmingham Surrealist movement, alongside John and Robert Melville.
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English From Beijing Surrealist On Wikipedia in 2 of 32 languages
After receiving an education at Downside School and studying at Christ's College, Cambridge, Hillier sought the true essence of modern art in Paris. It was there, amidst the vibrant energy of the French capital, that he immersed himself in the study of masters like André Lhote and encountered the burgeoning Surrealist movement, finding inspiration in the dreamlike works of Giorgio de Chirico and Max Ernst.
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Hungarian From Rome Surrealism On Wikipedia in 1 of 32 languages
György Roman (1903 – 1981) emerged from the fertile artistic landscape of Hungary during the interwar period, establishing himself as a prominent figure in Hungarian Modernism and leaving an indelible mark on the Expressionist movement.
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Spanish From Pontevedra Abstract Expressionist On Wikipedia in 5 of 32 languages
Born in Galicia, Spain, in 1933, his early life was shaped by an emigration to Argentina at just one year old, a move that would indelibly influence his artistic perspective – blending European sensibilities with the vibrant energy of Latin American culture.
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Canadian From Saskatchewan Abstract Figurative, Prairie Landscape On Wikipedia in 3 of 32 languages
Eyre's formal training began in Saskatoon with lessons from Ernest Lindner, followed by studies at the University of Saskatchewan and later, the University of Manitoba, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1957.
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Welsh From Dunvant Surrealism, Expressionism On Wikipedia in 2 of 32 languages
Born in the small village of Dunvant, near Swansea, in 1903, Ceri Giraldus Richards emerged from a uniquely nurturing environment that would profoundly shape his artistic vision. This dedication culminated in a pivotal scholarship to the Royal College of Art in London in 1924—a defining moment that propelled him into the heart of the modernist movement.
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American From Richmond Surrealism, Realism On Wikipedia in 3 of 32 languages
Cortor’s early education at Englewood High School in Chicago brought him into contact with fellow artists like Charles Wilbert White and Margaret Burroughs, fostering a creative community that would nurture his developing talent. He continued his studies at the Art Institute of Chicago, graduating in 1936, where he absorbed European artistic traditions but found himself profoundly moved by an encounter with African sculptures at the Field Museum.
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British On Wikipedia in 4 of 32 languages
Her work has been featured in group exhibitions at the Tate Modern, the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art, and the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago. In 2017, she was honored with the Paul Hamlyn Foundation Award. Her performance art has included works such as The Ultimate Form, a collaboration with choreographer Kenneth Tindall, and Children of the Stain.
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Spanish From Torre de Miguel Sesmero New Figuration On Wikipedia in 3 of 32 languages
Juan Barjola (1919-2004) was a Spanish artist whose work defies easy categorization, existing at the fascinating intersection of Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism, and deeply personal symbolism. Born in Barcelona, a city brimming with artistic ferment, Barjola’s journey wasn't one of immediate recognition but rather a slow, deliberate unfolding of a unique visual language.
Works to know · Their 100 best-known works
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Spanish From Milan Catalan Modernisme On Wikipedia in 1 of 32 languages
Emilio Tadini was far more than a painter; he was a profound architect of meaning within the Italian cultural landscape. Born in Milan in 1927, his journey began not with a brush, but with the written word. A poet, novelist, and essayist, Tadini first emerged onto the prestigious literary stage in 1947 through Elio Vittorini's magazine, Politecnico.
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Catalan From Os de Balaguer Surrealism, Non-figurative On Wikipedia in 1 of 32 languages
In the quiet landscapes of Olesa de Balaguer, Spain, a profound artistic journey began in 1908, marking the birth of one of Catalonia's most distinctive creative spirits: Leandre Cristòfol i Peralba. His life, spanning nearly a century until his passing in 1998, was defined by a relentless pursuit of an aesthetic universe that transcended the boundaries of classical form.
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From Chicago World Goes Pop On Wikipedia in 1 of 32 languages
Ellen Lanyon’s paintings are portals, inviting viewers into a realm where the familiar tilts on its axis and the subconscious takes visible form. But it was a childhood visit to the “Midget Village” at the 1933 Chicago World's Fair, an undeniably surreal spectacle, that left a deeper, more lasting impression, seeding within her imagination a fascination with the uncanny and the disquieting juxtaposition of realities.
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When it happened
Fun figures
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| France | 7 |
| United Kingdom | 6 |
| United States | 6 |
| Germany | 5 |
| United States of America | 5 |
| Mexico | 4 |
| Argentina | 4 |
| 1880s | 4 |
|---|---|
| 1890s | 12 |
| 1900s | 29 |
| 1910s | 14 |
| 1920s | 10 |
| 1930s | 3 |
| 1940s | 9 |
| 1950s | 4 |
Just the names
Frida KahloMexican · 1907–1954Salvador DalíSpanish · 1904–1989Joan MiróSpanish · 1893–1983René MagritteBelgian · 1898–1967Max ErnstGerman · 1891–1976Giorgio de ChiricoItalian · 1888–1978H.R. GigerSwiss · 1940–2014Zdzisław BeksińskiPolish · 1929–2005Man RayAmerican · 1890–1976Alberto GiacomettiSwiss · 1901–1966Remedios VaroSpanish-Mexican · 1908–1963Leonora CarringtonBritish-Mexican · 1917–2011Yves TanguyFrench-American · 1900–1955Dorothea TanningAmerican · 1910–2012Leonor FiniArgentinian-Italian · 1907–1996André MassonFrench · 1896–1987Meret OppenheimSwiss-German · 1913–1985Wifredo LamCuban · 1902–1982Victor BraunerRomanian-French · 1903–1966Roberto MattaChilean · 1911–2002Felix NussbaumGerman-Jewish · 1904–1944Joseph CornellAmerican · 1903–1972Ernst FuchsAustrian · 1930–2015Paul DelvauxBelgian · 1897–1994Dora MaarFrench · 1907–1997Elsa SchiaparelliItalian · 1890–1973Paul NashBritish · 1889–1946Luis RoyoSpanish · born 1954Julien LevyAmerican · 1906–1981Jim WarrenAmerican · born 1949Michael ParkesAmerican · born 1944Maurice TabardFrench · 1897–1984George Wallace JardineBritish · 1920–2002Graham SutherlandBritish · 1903–1980Claude CahunFrench · 1894–1954Oleksandr Aksinin1949–1985Octavio OcampoMexican · born 1943Frederick SommerAmerican · 1905–1999Saul SteinbergRomanian-American · 1914–1999Luigi SerafiniItalian · born 1949Oscar Dominguez1906–1957Hans BellmerGerman · 1902–1975Michael SowaGerman · born 1945Jacek Yerkaborn 1952Angus Rowland Mcbean1904–1990Wolfgang PaalenAustrian-Mexican · 1905–1959Clarence John LaughlinAmerican · 1905–1985Wilhelm FreddieDanish · 1909–1995Manuel Álvarez BravoMexican · 1902–2002Sergei ParajanovArmenian, Ukrainian · 1924–1990Eileen AgarArgentine-British · 1899–1991George CondoAmerican · born 1957Mário CesarinyPortuguese · 1923–2006Piroska SzantoHungarian · 1913–1998Artur Cruzeiro Seixas1920–2020Pavel TchelitchewRussian-born · 1898–1957Marcelo GrassmannBrazilian · 1925–2013María IzquierdoMexican · 1902–1955Kay SageAmerican · 1898–1963Xul SolarArgentine · 1887–1963Richard OelzeGerman · 1900–1980Hedda SterneRomanian-American · 1910–2011Pierre RoyFrench · 1880–1950Ithell ColquhounBritish · 1906–1988Francisco ToledoMexican · 1940–2019Margit AnnaHungarian · 1913–1991Jacqueline LambaFrench · 1910–1993Vlady1920–2005Caleb LewisAustralian · Raquel FornerArgentine · 1902–1988Lubo KristekCzech · born 1943James GleesonAustralian · 1915–2008Julian TrevelyanBritish · 1910–1988Jeffrey SmartAustralian · 1921–2013Conroy MaddoxEnglish · 1912–2005Tristram HillierEnglish · 1905–1983Gyorgy RomanHungarian · 1903–1981Jorge CastilloSpanish · born 1933Ivan EyreCanadian · 1935–2022Ceri RichardsWelsh · 1903–1971Eldzier CortorAmerican · 1916–2015Linder SterlingBritish · born 1954Juan BarjolaSpanish · 1919–2004Emilio TadiniSpanish · 1927–2002Leandre CristòfolCatalan · 1908–1998Ellen Lanyon1926–2013Good questions
Frida Kahlo (#1) is first in this ranking, followed by Salvador Dalí (#2) and Joan Miró (#3).
Frida Kahlo (#1), Salvador Dalí (#2), Joan Miró (#3), René Magritte (#4) and Max Ernst (#5).
Spain: 8 of the 86 artists in this list were born there, then France (7) and United Kingdom (6).
The highest-ranked artists born in France are Yves Tanguy (#13), André Masson (#16), Dora Maar (#25), Maurice Tabard (#32) and Claude Cahun (#35).
The highest-ranked living artists in this list are Luis Royo (#28), Jim Warren (#30), Michael Parkes (#31), Octavio Ocampo (#37), Luigi Serafini (#40) and Michael Sowa (#43).
Buenos Aires: 3 of the artists in this list were born there.
The highest-ranked artists born in Spain are Salvador Dalí (#2), Joan Miró (#3), Remedios Varo (#11), Luis Royo (#28) and Oscar Dominguez (#41).
20 women are in this ranking: Frida Kahlo (#1), Remedios Varo (#11), Leonora Carrington (#12), Dorothea Tanning (#14), Leonor Fini (#15), Meret Oppenheim (#17), Dora Maar (#25) and Elsa Schiaparelli (#26).
The museums holding the most key works of this list are Israel Museum (5), MOMA - Museum of Modern Art (4) and Metropolitan Museum of Art (4).
The earliest-born artist in this list is Pierre Roy (#63), born in 1880.
“Her brushwork begins to coalesce into a singular visual language.” — from our biography of Frida Kahlo (#1).
Our catalogue holds 8,973 works by these artists.
Read more
Other styles
Famous Baroque artistsNight Watch · Rembrandt
Famous Contemporary Realist artistsThe Gleaners · Jean-François Millet
Famous Impressionist artistsStarry Night (New York, MoMA) · Vincent van Gogh
Famous Romanticist artistsSaturn Devouring His Son · Francisco Goya
Famous Neoclassicist artistsThe Death of Marat · Jacques-Louis David
Famous Realist artistsThe origin of the world · Gustave Courbet
Famous Renaissance artistsMona Lisa (La Gioconda) · Leonardo da Vinci
Famous Dutch Golden Age artistsThe Girl with a Pearl Earring · Johannes Vermeer
Famous Expressionist artistsComposition VII · Wassily Kandinsky
Famous Rococo artistsThe Embarkation for Cythera · Jean-Antoine WatteauOther eras
Famous Early Medieval artistsSnowy River · Wang Wei
Famous High Medieval artistsMadonna in Maest (Ognissanti Madonna) · Giotto
Famous Late Medieval artistsThe Annunciation and Two Saints · Simone Martini
Famous Renaissance artistsThe Creation of Adam · Michelangelo
Famous Early Modern artistsThe Calling of Saint Matthew · Caravaggio
Famous 19th Century artistsWater Lilies (or Nympheas) · Claude Monet
Famous Modern artistsGuernica · Pablo Picasso
Famous Contemporary artistsWind Sculpture III (one in a series of nine) · Yinka ShonibareFamous paintings
Famous Impressionism paintingsWater Lilies · Claude Monet
Famous Baroque paintingsLas Meninas · Diego Velázquez
Famous Romanticism paintingsLiberty Leading the People · Eugène Delacroix
Famous Realism paintingsNighthawks · Edward HopperFamous Post-Impressionism paintingsStarry Night · Vincent van Gogh
Famous Expressionism paintingsThe Scream · Edvard MunchFamous Renaissance paintingsMona Lisa · Leonardo da Vinci
Famous Neoclassicism paintingsNapoleon at the St. Bernard Pass · Jacques-Louis David
Famous Symbolism paintingsThe Birth of Venus · William-Adolphe Bouguereau
Famous Mannerism paintingsThe Burial of the Count of Orgaz · El Greco
Famous Rococo paintingsThe Swing · Jean-Honoré FragonardFamous Dutch Golden Age paintingsThe Girl with a Pearl Earring · Johannes VermeerKeep exploring
