Final answer:
Surrealism, starting in the 1920s, drew the interest of artists like Max Ernst, Salvador Dalí, and Marc Chagall, who used striking visual elements and emotional evocations in their art. The movement was shaped by political turmoil, Freudian and Marxist ideologies, and contributed to the art and culture by redefining objects with new meanings.
Step-by-step explanation:
The surrealist movement, which began in the early 1920s, attracted numerous painters who sought to merge the worlds of dream and reality. Notably, Max Ernst (1891-1976) emerged as a prominent figure of this movement, expressing his critical view of modern civilization and his fascination with fantasy and dreams through painting. His works, like L'Ange du Foyer and Ubu Imperator, showcase a bold use of colors and evoke strong emotional responses. Similarly, other renowned painters, such as Salvador Dalí with his striking contrasts and Marc Chagall with his vivid reds, took up surrealism and made significant contributions to the movement. The utilization of movement in a painting, ranging from the swirling motifs of Dorothea Tanning to the tranquil scenes staged by René Magritte, highlights the diversity in surrealistic expression.
In addition to these individuals, surrealism was embraced by artists worldwide, influenced by Freudian psychology and Marxist philosophy. The political climate of the time, marred by the aftermath of World War I and the rise of Fascism, significantly influenced surrealism, with many artists integrating their political ideals and struggles into their work. This period saw ordinary objects being redefined with new, informal meanings, often conveying a sense of alienation common in the modern world. The global reach of surrealism was further expanded when many European artists fled to North America during World War II, bringing with them their unique ideologies and artistic techniques. These artists' contributions further entrenched surrealism's legacy, influencing subsequent art movements and the broader cultural landscape.