Expo in Bozar: 100 years of surrealism in Belgium

© Bozar – We Document Art

Bozar, the Center for Fine Arts in Brussels, celebrates 100 years of surrealism with an exhibition about the famous avant-garde movement in Belgium.

One hundred years ago, in November 1924, surrealism was born with the publication of André Breton’s ‘Manifesto of Surrealism’. At the same time, the first signs of Surrealist activity appeared in Belgium, which would last almost sixty years and three generations. That is exceptionally long for an avant-garde movement. It testifies to the pioneers’ desire to transcend aesthetic concerns and strive for social change. This desire is inextricably linked to their commitment to the communist party.

Histoire de ne pas rire

Another typical feature of Belgian surrealism is the use of humor. The name of this exhibition, ‘Histoire de ne pas rire’, which is also the title of a book with theoretical texts by Paul Nougé, also refers to this.
The poet Nougé was a reclusive figure who preferred to remain anonymous. He soon emerged as the theoretician of the Brussels surrealist group. From 1924 onwards he surrounded himself with writers and visual artists such as Camille Goemans, Marcel Lecomte, Louis Scutenaire, ELT Mesens and of course René Magritte. Nougé is the common thread in the Bozar exhibition. His words guide you through a story spanning more than three generations.

Top works

In the exhibition, which runs until June 16, you can admire work by René Magritte, Jane Graverol, Marcel Mariën, Rachel Baes, Leo Dohmen, Paul Delvaux as well as Max Ernst, Yves Tanguy, Salvador Dalí, Georgio de Chirico and many others.

To this exhibition with Cultuursmakers

Would you like to enjoy this exhibition together with other culture lovers? Then register for a guided visit on Saturday, June 8, to one of these groups of Cultuurmakers: Aalst, Affligem, Asse-Zellik, Brussels-Oost, Deurne/Berchem, Heist-op-den-Berg/Putte, Lier, Ninove, Ostend, Sint-Katelijne-Waver, Sint-Niklaas. More info can be found here.