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Federico von Borstel
This is a course on Surrealist Art. In this course you will learn how to understand, appreciate and use Surrealist Art. We simplify and dissect these works of art so that you can see and experience how they are made. Throughout the course you are shown how to, and encouraged to generate your own Surrealist works of Art. Surrealist Art is one of the most interesting, mysterious and complex manifestations of art. Here we will cover the pioneers of Surrealism and introduce you to some of the lesser known, but interesting and important Surrealist artists. But most importantly, get ready for this journey into your own artistic mind. I teach lecture courses and studios as I wish they would have been taught to me. Much of the graphic material in my lectures is taken or generated first hand directly by me on site. I teach to learn. I teach subjects as I wish they were taught to me. The Mission Statement. Education is a tool for the improvement of successive generations. I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand. Confucius
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This is a course on Surrealist Art. In this course you will learn how to understand, appreciate and use Surrealist Art. We simplify and dissect these works of art so that you can see and experience how they are made. Throughout the course you are shown how to, and encouraged to generate your own Surrealist works of Art. Surrealist Art is one of the most interesting, mysterious and complex manifestations of art. Here we will cover the pioneers of Surrealism and introduce you to some of the lesser known, but interesting and important Surrealist artists. But most importantly, get ready for this journey into your own artistic mind. I teach lecture courses and studios as I wish they would have been taught to me. Much of the graphic material in my lectures is taken or generated first hand directly by me on site. I teach to learn. I teach subjects as I wish they were taught to me. The Mission Statement. Education is a tool for the improvement of successive generations. I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand. Confucius
Read more
This is a course on Surrealist Art. In this course you will learn how to understand, appreciate and use Surrealist Art. We simplify and dissect these works of art so that you can see and experience how they are made. Throughout the course you are shown how to, and encouraged to generate your own Surrealist works of Art. Surrealist Art is one of the most interesting, mysterious and complex manifestations of art. Here we will cover the pioneers of Surrealism and introduce you to some of the lesser known, but interesting and important Surrealist artists. But most importantly, get ready for this journey into your own artistic mind. I teach lecture courses and studios as I wish they would have been taught to me. Much of the graphic material in my lectures is taken or generated first hand directly by me on site. I teach to learn. I teach subjects as I wish they were taught to me. The Mission Statement. Education is a tool for the improvement of successive generations. I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand. Confucius
This course is designed under the premise that humans should be taught in a way that is modeled after the educational patterns of evolution.
The design, development and application of educational systems based on the educational principles of evolution generates a philosophy and methodology of education in synchrony with the evolutionary education system that is firmly and deeply rooted in each of us.
Education for evolution is an educational system designed to help propel humans forward in the natural course of evolution. The purpose of education for evolution is to enhance and strengthen the natural evolutionary process of humans through the mechanism of education. The means to achieve this objective is the design of a curricula based on the same educational techniques and strategies used by natural evolution, enhanced and guided by the application of conscious educational decisions.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/0jxuhb/salvador
What's inside
Learning objectives
- In this course students will learn how to understand, appreciate and make surrealist art
- Increased appreciation of art
- The course enhances human development.
- The course seeks to enrich your life experience.
- In this course students will learn how to understand, appreciate and make surrealist art
- Increased appreciation of art
- The course enhances human development.
- The course seeks to enrich your life experience.
Syllabus
Introduction
Surrealism Lecture 2
Surrealism Lecture 3
Surrealism Lecture 4
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Syllabus
Introduction
Surrealism Lecture 2
Surrealism Lecture 3
Surrealism Lecture 4
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Encourages learners to generate their own Surrealist works of art, fostering creativity and practical application of learned concepts
Simplifies and dissects complex works of art, making Surrealism accessible to a wider audience and fostering deeper understanding
Covers pioneers of Surrealism while also introducing lesser-known artists, providing a comprehensive view of the movement
Seeks to enrich life experience through increased appreciation of art, potentially fostering personal growth and development
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Reviews summary
Inspiring introduction to surrealist art
Learners say this course offers a very inspiring journey into Surrealist art, deepening their appreciation for artists like Dali and Miro. Many praise the instructor's passion and unique perspective. The course encourages students to explore their own creativity. However, some students report issues with the technical quality, specifically audio and video. There is also feedback that the course is more philosophical than practical, with some wishing for more concrete guidance or "how-to" steps for creating art. The structure was sometimes seen as disjointed. The instructor's unique style is inspiring for some but confusing for others.
More philosophical than practical, found abstract.
"The lectures were very philosophical, sometimes a bit too abstract and hard to follow."
"Content is thought-provoking but not always clearly explained."
"It was interesting, but less about practical art skills and more about concepts."
Course inspires creativity and art appreciation.
"This course was a very inspiring journey into surrealism. It opened my eyes."
"It really encouraged me to try creating my own surrealist works."
"I have a much deeper appreciation for artists like Dali and Miro now."
"Learned to see and experience how surrealist works are made."
Instructor's enthusiasm is highly praised.
"Loved the instructor's passion and knowledge about the subject. It was truly inspiring."
"The instructor clearly loves what he teaches, and that comes through in the lectures."
"His passion for surrealism is infectious and makes the material come alive."
Some found course structure confusing.
"The flow felt a bit disjointed at times, making it hard to connect the ideas."
"Some lectures seemed a bit random or out of place in the overall structure."
Reviewers wished for more "how-to" for creating art.
"I didn't get much guidance on *how* to actually make surrealist art myself."
"I was hoping for more practical steps and concrete assignments."
"The course encourages creating, but lacks the hands-on instruction I expected."
Issues reported with audio/video quality.
"The audio quality in some lectures was quite poor, making it hard to follow."
"Experienced terrible audio and video issues throughout the course."
"Some technical glitches initially, but it seemed to improve in later parts of the course."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Salvador Dali, Joan Miro, Frida Kahlo and Surrealist Art with these
activities:
Read 'Surrealism' by André Breton
Show steps
Gain a deeper understanding of the Surrealist movement by reading its foundational text.
View
Cavalier Perspective: Last Essays, 1952-1966
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Obtain a copy of 'Surrealism: The Manifesto' by André Breton.
-
Read the book, taking notes on key concepts and ideas.
-
Reflect on how Breton's ideas relate to the artworks discussed in the course.
Review Art History Basics
Show steps
Solidify your understanding of art history fundamentals to better appreciate the context of Surrealist art.
Browse courses on
Art History
Show steps
-
Review basic art historical periods and movements.
-
Familiarize yourself with key art terms and concepts.
-
Research the historical context surrounding the rise of Surrealism.
Write a Surrealist Poem
Show steps
Engage with the creative spirit of Surrealism by writing your own poem using automatic writing techniques.
Show steps
-
Research automatic writing techniques used by Surrealist poets.
-
Set a timer for 10-15 minutes and write continuously without editing or censoring yourself.
-
Review your poem and identify any interesting or evocative imagery.
-
Refine your poem, focusing on creating a dreamlike or illogical narrative.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a Surrealist Collage
Show steps
Apply your understanding of Surrealist principles by creating a collage that embodies the movement's aesthetic.
Show steps
-
Gather a variety of images from magazines, newspapers, and other sources.
-
Cut out images and arrange them in unexpected and illogical combinations.
-
Glue the images onto a surface, creating a finished collage.
-
Reflect on the meaning and symbolism of your collage.
Explore 'Frida: A Biography of Frida Kahlo'
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of Frida Kahlo's life and art through a comprehensive biography.
View
Frida: A Biography of Frida Kahlo
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Obtain a copy of 'Frida: A Biography of Frida Kahlo' by Hayden Herrera.
-
Read the book, paying attention to the events and relationships that influenced Kahlo's art.
-
Consider how Kahlo's personal experiences are reflected in her paintings.
Research a Lesser-Known Surrealist Artist
Show steps
Expand your knowledge of Surrealism by researching an artist not covered in the course and presenting your findings.
Show steps
-
Identify a Surrealist artist who is not widely known.
-
Research the artist's life, work, and influences.
-
Prepare a short presentation or write a brief essay summarizing your findings.
-
Share your research with others in the class or online.
Analyze a Surrealist Artwork
Show steps
Develop your analytical skills by writing a detailed analysis of a Surrealist artwork of your choice.
Show steps
-
Select a Surrealist artwork that interests you.
-
Research the artwork's historical context, symbolism, and artistic techniques.
-
Write a detailed analysis of the artwork, focusing on its meaning and significance.
-
Support your analysis with evidence from the artwork and scholarly sources.
Read 'Surrealism' by André Breton
Show steps
Gain a deeper understanding of the Surrealist movement by reading its foundational text.
View
Cavalier Perspective: Last Essays, 1952-1966
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Obtain a copy of 'Surrealism: The Manifesto' by André Breton.
- Read the book, taking notes on key concepts and ideas.
- Reflect on how Breton's ideas relate to the artworks discussed in the course.
Review Art History Basics
Show steps
Solidify your understanding of art history fundamentals to better appreciate the context of Surrealist art.
Browse courses on
Art History
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review basic art historical periods and movements.
- Familiarize yourself with key art terms and concepts.
- Research the historical context surrounding the rise of Surrealism.
Write a Surrealist Poem
Show steps
Engage with the creative spirit of Surrealism by writing your own poem using automatic writing techniques.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research automatic writing techniques used by Surrealist poets.
- Set a timer for 10-15 minutes and write continuously without editing or censoring yourself.
- Review your poem and identify any interesting or evocative imagery.
- Refine your poem, focusing on creating a dreamlike or illogical narrative.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a Surrealist Collage
Show steps
Apply your understanding of Surrealist principles by creating a collage that embodies the movement's aesthetic.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather a variety of images from magazines, newspapers, and other sources.
- Cut out images and arrange them in unexpected and illogical combinations.
- Glue the images onto a surface, creating a finished collage.
- Reflect on the meaning and symbolism of your collage.
Explore 'Frida: A Biography of Frida Kahlo'
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of Frida Kahlo's life and art through a comprehensive biography.
View
Frida: A Biography of Frida Kahlo
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Obtain a copy of 'Frida: A Biography of Frida Kahlo' by Hayden Herrera.
- Read the book, paying attention to the events and relationships that influenced Kahlo's art.
- Consider how Kahlo's personal experiences are reflected in her paintings.
Research a Lesser-Known Surrealist Artist
Show steps
Expand your knowledge of Surrealism by researching an artist not covered in the course and presenting your findings.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a Surrealist artist who is not widely known.
- Research the artist's life, work, and influences.
- Prepare a short presentation or write a brief essay summarizing your findings.
- Share your research with others in the class or online.
Analyze a Surrealist Artwork
Show steps
Develop your analytical skills by writing a detailed analysis of a Surrealist artwork of your choice.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Select a Surrealist artwork that interests you.
- Research the artwork's historical context, symbolism, and artistic techniques.
- Write a detailed analysis of the artwork, focusing on its meaning and significance.
- Support your analysis with evidence from the artwork and scholarly sources.
Career center
Learners who complete Salvador Dali, Joan Miro, Frida Kahlo and Surrealist Art will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Art Curator
Art Curator
An art curator is responsible for acquiring, managing, and displaying artworks within a museum or gallery setting. This role requires a deep understanding of art history and movements, including Surrealism. This course directly addresses Surrealism, offering a framework to understand, appreciate and utilize the principles of this art movement. A curator needs to be able to evaluate works of art and understand their context within the larger art world. This course deepens this understanding, and also promotes the practical application of surrealism with the stated goal of generating your own surrealist works of art.
Art Critic
Art Critic
An art critic writes reviews and analyses of art exhibitions, individual artworks, and trends in the art world. A strong grounding in art history and theory, such as provided by this course, is essential for this role. This course focuses on Surrealism, one of the most influential and complex art movements, and specifically on how to understand and appreciate the movement. The course helps an art critic develop a deeper understanding of the works of Salvador Dali, Joan Miro, and Frida Kahlo and less well known Surrealist artists, which will be instrumental in informing their critical opinions and written analyses.
Exhibition Designer
Exhibition Designer
An exhibition designer creates the visual and spatial arrangements for art exhibitions whether in museums, galleries or other venues. A good exhibition designer has a strong background in art history and design principles. This course is useful for an exhibition designer as it helps develop an understanding of Surrealist art and how the works are made so that they can more effectively display this kind of art. This education will be invaluable when crafting environments where the art is allowed to speak for itself through curated arrangements and visual displays.
Art historian
Art historian
An art historian studies art history and the development of art movements, often specializing in a particular period or style. The role involves in-depth research, analysis, and interpretation of artworks, usually in an academic setting. Focusing on Surrealist art, this course will help an art historian delve into the history and context of the movement. The ability to appreciate and understand the works of Salvador Dali, Joan Miro, and Frida Kahlo, and lesser known artists, as well as understanding how to create such works, will be useful in their research and academic writing.
Creative Director
Creative Director
A creative director leads the creative vision for a project or organization, often in advertising, marketing, or media. An understanding of art movements like Surrealism enhances a creative director's ability to conceptualize innovative and unique concepts. This course delves into the intricacies of Surrealist art providing a creative director with new ideas and perspectives. The course specifically encourages the generation of your own surrealist works, which directly taps into the work done by creative directors.
Illustrator
Illustrator
An illustrator creates visual images for a range of media including books, magazines, and advertising. This role requires a strong understanding of artistic techniques and styles. This course specifically dives into Surrealism, an artistic movement which encourages experimentation, playfulness, and new combinations of visual elements. The course's emphasis on understanding how Surrealist works are made, plus the encouragement to create your own examples of this art, will be useful for any illustrator.
Graphic Designer
Graphic Designer
A graphic designer creates visual concepts for a variety of media, including websites, logos, and marketing materials. This role requires a strong background in art principles. This course covers the Surrealist movement, with an emphasis in understanding how such works are made. The course also encourages the generation of your own Surrealist art. This focus on both knowledge and application helps a graphic designer push their designs into new and interesting territories by combining the familiar with the unexpected.
Art Educator
Art Educator
An art educator teaches art to students of all ages in a range of settings. A strong understanding of art history, including movements like Surrealism, is necessary for this role. This course provides a deep dive into Surrealism, including the works of Salvador Dali, Joan Miro, and Frida Kahlo. Understanding how Surrealist works are made, and being encouraged to generate your own will inform the understanding of an art educator. This course may be useful to an educator who wishes to connect with their students.
Gallery Manager
Gallery Manager
A gallery manager oversees the operations of an art gallery, which includes customer relations, managing inventory, and organizing exhibitions. This role benefits from a background in the arts. This course will help a gallery manager by providing a better understanding of Surrealist art. When working with art from Salvador Dali, Joan Miro, Frida Kahlo, or other Surrealist artists, the course will help create a better understanding when working with customers and planning how to best present the art.
Set Designer
Set Designer
A set designer creates the environments for theatrical performances, film and television productions. A set designer must not only be artistically talented, but have a deep understanding of art history, and particularly art movements like Surrealism. This course, with its focus on how Surrealist art is made, may be helpful to a set designer who wishes to create sets with a sense of the surreal. The focus on how Surrealist art is made, in this course, should inform their choices as to how to build a surreal environment.
Marketing Specialist
Marketing Specialist
A marketing specialist develops and executes marketing campaigns for businesses and organizations. They often need to understand how to appeal to a specific audience by using visual cues. While this role does not specifically involve art, this course may be useful to a marketing specialist as Surrealism can be used to elicit strong emotions and create memorable campaigns. With a background in Surrealism, the marketing specialist will find that they have an alternate approach to the problem of promoting brands or products. This course may be helpful to a marketing specialist.
Fashion Designer
Fashion Designer
A fashion designer creates clothing and accessories by utilizing artistic, creative techniques. A strong understanding of art is helpful to a fashion designer. Surrealism, with its unique approach to combining disparate elements may be helpful for fashion designers. This course may be useful to a fashion designer who wishes to bring new ideas to their design. This course may be helpful to a fashion designer who is looking for a different way of thinking about design.
Writer
Writer
A writer crafts written content for various formats, such as articles, books, or scripts. While not directly related to visual art, an understanding of different artistic movements can enrich a writer's perspective and creativity. This course focuses on Surrealism, a movement known for its dreamlike and unconventional imagery, and may be of use to a writer who wishes to find new ways of looking at the world. The course will help a writer consider new ways to approach structure, narrative, and imagery. This course may be useful to a professional writer.
Psychologist
Psychologist
A psychologist studies the human mind and behavior, often working with clients to address mental health concerns. This role typically requires a doctoral degree. While not directly related to visual art, this course may be useful for a psychologist by providing a better understanding of art as it relates to emotions and the subconscious. Surrealism, in particular, taps into dreamlike states and may provide a new lens through which to understand the human psyche. This course may be useful to a psychologist.
Software Developer
Software Developer
A software developer designs, develops, and tests software applications. This role typically requires a bachelor's degree. While this course is not directly related to computer science, it might be useful to a software developer by broadening their perspective and fostering creative problem solving. The course's emphasis on understanding how Surrealist works are made, plus the encouragement to generate your own examples of this art might help a developer think differently about design and user experience. This course may be of use to a software developer.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/0jxuhb/salvador
Reading list
We've selected two books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Salvador Dali, Joan Miro, Frida Kahlo and Surrealist Art.
Save
Is the foundational text of the Surrealist movement, written by its founder, André Breton. It provides the theoretical underpinnings of Surrealism, explaining its aims, methods, and philosophy. Reading this book will give you a deeper understanding of the movement's core principles and the context in which Surrealist art was created. It is essential reading for anyone studying Surrealism.
Save
This biography provides a comprehensive look into the life and art of Frida Kahlo. It explores the personal experiences, political beliefs, and cultural influences that shaped her unique artistic vision. Reading this book will give you a deeper understanding of Kahlo's work and its place within the Surrealist movement. It valuable resource for understanding the artist's motivations and the symbolism in her paintings.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/0jxuhb/salvador
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