Characteristics of Surrealism and Study of Authors : Centered on Salvador Dalí, René Magritte, M. C. Escher

Surrealism is an artistic movement that breaks the boundaries of reality, exploring the unconscious and repressed realities to inspire new forms of creativity and imagination in art. Emerging in the early 20th century, surrealism significantly influenced not only the visual arts but also a wide range of media including film, advertising, and literature. In particular, René Magritte’s use of objet and dépaysement techniques conveyed powerful messages through irrational and enigmatic expressions. This study aims to examine the surrealist worldview and artistic intentions of three representative artists Salvador Dalí, René Magritte, and M.C. Escher by analyzing their major works, thereby offering a comprehensive understanding of surrealist ideology. Based on a theoretical framework, the research investigates the artists’ lives, worldviews, and works. Dalí, under the influence of Freudian psychoanalysis, explored the unconscious through dreamlike imagery and symbolic techniques, guiding viewers toward introspection. Magritte juxtaposed ordinary objects in surreal contexts to provoke visual puzzles that challenge logical thinking and encourage reflection on the relationship between reality and ideals. Escher utilized mathematical principles and geometric forms to depict illusions and impossible spaces, merging logic and fantasy to pose fundamental questions about the unconscious and human existence.