Capturing Dreams: The Surrealism Revolution in 1920s Photography

Another exquisite exhibition focused on Surrealism is currently on display. This one is hosted at the Robert Koch Gallery and will be open until March 29, 2025.

The Robert Koch Gallery offers a tribute to Surrealism through an exhibit of surrealist photographs produced between 1924 and 1989.  Taken from the gallery’s collection, this exhibition honors the centenary of Surrealism and its extensive historical impact on the art world. Surrealism transformed art and visual culture. Originating in the wake of World War I, Surrealism reacted to the disillusionment and trauma of that period, aiming to reveal the unconscious mind and delve into alternative realities. Its legacy persists, continually motivating modern artists and their investigation of the subconscious. This carefully curated exhibition features works by photographers from the United States, the United Kingdom, the Czech Republic, France, Hungary, and Mexico, analyzing how surrealism has influenced and intertwined with artistic practices over the last century.

Surrealism in Photography highlights the movement’s influence across various geographical and cultural contexts. The exhibition showcases pieces from Man Ray, György Kepes, André Kertész, Manuel Álvarez Bravo, Oliver Gagliani, Jaromír Funke, Florence Henri, Josef Sudek, Ruth Bernhard, Bill Brandt, Josef Bartuška, Josef Ehm, Foto Ada, Ferenc Haar, Miroslav Hák, Philippe Halsman, Tibor Honty, István Kerny, Jiří Lehovec, Nathan Lerner, Emila Medková, László Osoha, Vilém Reichmann, Jan Saudek, Jindřich Štyrský, Drahotín Šulla, Karel Teige, Geza Vandor, František Vobecký, and Eugen Wiškovský. The chosen works illustrate how Surrealist ideology has permeated various artistic methodologies, ranging from poetic abstraction to ethereal imagery.

Surrealism in Photography : 1920s – 1980s
Open until March 29, 2025
Robert Koch Gallery
49 Geary Street, 5th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94108
T: 415.421.0122
www.kochgallery.com