Great debate. I know all the works you've mentioned here and the keyhole one especially, well I was 17 when I first saw that in a book. Then saw it again in real life, I can't remember where, probably NYC or Paris a couple of years later.
The surrealists are so important in what followed, not just in the art work, but in music and film books etc. BUT as with all parts of the past we must look at it objectively.
I do believe Tanning was being subversive a lot of the time, subverting the movement she was so thrilled to be in.
Thanks, Susan! Yes, I don't think people realise how important the movement was. Even in social terms, I don't think we would have had the hippies without their scorn for respectability.
I'm glad I have conveyed the two sides of the argument here which I am struggle to balance (in my novel, too), namely that the movement was definitely sexist in many ways but it was a tremendous opportunity for women because it was the first to really welcome them as members.
It's Tanning's sense of humour I love the best: do you know Tableau Vivant, the one with the girl and the enormous dog almost knocking her over? I might have to see if that one speaks to me! Thanks for reading, and for all your support.
I love this! "Don't give up on surrealism just because of an old pervert or two!"
Maybe that should have been the title (haha)!
Great debate. I know all the works you've mentioned here and the keyhole one especially, well I was 17 when I first saw that in a book. Then saw it again in real life, I can't remember where, probably NYC or Paris a couple of years later.
The surrealists are so important in what followed, not just in the art work, but in music and film books etc. BUT as with all parts of the past we must look at it objectively.
I do believe Tanning was being subversive a lot of the time, subverting the movement she was so thrilled to be in.
In one word Patriarchy!!
Thanks, Susan! Yes, I don't think people realise how important the movement was. Even in social terms, I don't think we would have had the hippies without their scorn for respectability.
I'm glad I have conveyed the two sides of the argument here which I am struggle to balance (in my novel, too), namely that the movement was definitely sexist in many ways but it was a tremendous opportunity for women because it was the first to really welcome them as members.
It's Tanning's sense of humour I love the best: do you know Tableau Vivant, the one with the girl and the enormous dog almost knocking her over? I might have to see if that one speaks to me! Thanks for reading, and for all your support.