Critical Reflections Unit 2

Exploring Surrealism: Human-Animal Hybrids and the Quest for Power

Introduction:

In my artworks, I am searched for the links between the human and animal worlds and interested in the surreal. I do that by putting hybrids in leading roles; this way, viewers reconsider the question of dominance and control. Through this texts we can see the ideas, sources, and conceptualization on which my art is based. Exploring the creative process and the broader contexts, I will reveal the intricate web of thoughts and ideas that make up my works. I better understand my surreal dream worlds by materializing surrealistic principles, observing inspiring artists, and utilizing different materials and methods. With this exploration, I like to make viewers embark on a voyage of inner discovery to interact with such a complicated issue as the human-animal relationship on a different level.

In my artistic discourse, I am taking the viewer on a trip into a dreamy alternative reality, where animal-human hybrids are in the spotlight, and the existing power differentials and social norms are being questioned. My artwork describes the cafe scene like "Nighthawks" by Edward Hopper (Bundschuh, 2018). However, in my version, the ordinary scene had been replaced by a puzzling portrayal of the rhinoceros allying with human-animal hybrids who had become the new rulers.

This composition is carefully made to form a visual triangle that makes viewers think about the issues of power and hierarchy. Human-animal hybrids, which alter the notion of humans as the supreme species, and the rhinoceros, a solid animal like its digital mates, also go hand in hand. Weaving these elements of doubt makes the audiences question their deeply entrenched ideas of superiority and dominance.

The cafe setting, taken from Hopper's masterpiece, adds a new dimension to the story. Coffee shops are often linked to conversations, socialization, and communication (Yeetin & Buakaew, 2018). By locating my characters in the most familiar environment, I establish a direct connection between the viewers and the heroes and enrich this scene with its primary interpretation. This composition is carefully made to form a visual triangle that makes viewers think about the issues of power and hierarchy. Human-animal hybrids, which alter the notion of humans as the supreme species, and the rhinoceros, a solid animal like its digital mates, also go hand in hand. Weaving these elements of doubt makes the audiences question their deeply entrenched ideas of superiority and dominance. The cafe setting learns from Hopper's masterpiece and adds a new dimension to the story. Coffee shops are often linked to conversations, socialization, and communication (Yeetin & Buakaew, 2018). By locating my characters in the most familiar environment, I establish a direct connection between the viewers and the work elements and enrich this scene with its primary interpretation.

Illustration 1: Image of "Cafe Surreal" with human-animal hybrids, human and rhinoceros

Caption: "Cafe Surreal" does not adhere to the standard power arrangement since anthro animals are in charge along

with a rhinoceros. The form is triangular, reflecting the need for superiority and posing questions about the accepted norms.

Surrealism and Power Dynamics

Surrealism is a strong force in art; it investigates the depths of the subconscious and questions the established social structures. Originating from Salvador Dali, René Magritte, and Max Ernst, Surrealism is a specific method used to reveal the complexities of power relations (Tsolkas, 2024). Surrealist principles have the potential to be the source of inspiration for my artistic practice, which, in turn, defies the norm by elevating hybrid creatures to statuses that, so far, have been reserved for humans alone. The essence of Surrealism is the fundamental questioning of reality and the structures of power that control human society. Surrealist artists normally use dreamlike symbols and motifs to disorient the viewer and provoke deep thought (Rana, 2022). I apply the techniques of Surrealism in my art practice, creating narratives where the boundaries between species or class hierarchies are disrupted. Through the placement of human-animal hybrids in positions of power, I am uprooting traditional power structures and forcing viewers to reconsider their perception of dominance. The creature's evident strange combination of human and animal features becomes mesmerizing and forces the observer to consider the nature of power and dominance.

In this dream world, the borders vanish, and a new order is built. The audience is faced with a world where the difference between human and animal, ruler and subject, is completely erased. The redefinition of this conventional power hierarchy urges the viewers to question themselves: Where does such cyclical human dominance stem from? In addition, the issue of acceptance and equal rights is also addressed by portraying characters with mixed origins holding leadership positions. By dehumanizing the human experience and amplifying the voices of non-human entities, I suggest a more comprehensive notion of power that goes beyond species boundaries and includes diversity in all its forms. My research on surrealism and power relations aims to overthrow the existing norm and build a new model of the residents' lives. Through the imaginary world where the rules of the real are not in force, I intend to make people examine the nature of relationship, the moldability of the individual, and the possibility of transformation in society.

Surrealism in Context

To go beyond the surface of Surrealism and know its many sides, I dive into the works of the founders of this art form, such as Salvador Dali, René Magritte, and Leonora Carrington. All of these brilliant minds are unique in their approach to the surrealist method; Dali and his famous melting clocks and mysterious landscapes, which throw our traditional views of time and space up in the air, go deep into the subconscious. His surreal art, characterized by dreamlike and meticulous details, motivates my creativity. Through Dali's way, I conclude the Superralism ability to break reality and get people's emotions.

René Magritte, the Belgian surrealist artist, has fathomed the connection between the symbolic and the real through his original combinations and investigation of the curious. Magritte forces us to think about perception and meaning concepts through his surreal paintings, in which common elements are placed in unnatural situations (Oswald, 2018). His work pushes me to the limits of visual storytelling and creates out-of-bound stories that are never expected. Through her exotic creatures and surreal backgrounds, Leonora Carrington portrays the female face of Surrealism. Her fantastic representations, full of symbols and images, discuss the concepts of self, metamorphosis, and freedom. Carrington's fearless efforts to use surrealist expression as a way to go beyond and give power to the voiceless urge me to do so. I am overwhelmed by these geniuses' artworks and understand the basic methods and subjects of Surrealism very well. Their visionary artworks are my guide; they influence my language, perception, and, therefore, my art and vision. Ultimately, I use the heritage of Surrealism to guide my research about power relations and to question existing order.

Illustration 2: Image of Salvador Dali, René Magritte, and Leonora Carrington artworks

Caption: The artists Salvador Dali, René Magritte, and Leonora Carrington were the starting point of my research on Surrealism and power relations. Each artist shares a perspective that enlightens me with the power of surreality to transform.

Materiality and Expression

The oil painting has been chosen as the main medium of my artistic expression. The richness of oil paint, which is good in texture and luminous, makes my work full of depth, emotion, and the palpable effect of presence. Touching oil paint enables me to work with my art at the physical level, and I can make the texture of the medium match my surreal visions. With oil painting, this person may explore color, texture, and form, which allows for the creation of three-dimensional landscapes, blending the real and the imaginary. By accurately employing brushstrokes, pallet knife techniques, and layering, I evoke the viewers' visceral reactions, leading them into the strange worlds I create.

One of the main advantages of oil painting is its long drying time, which makes it possible for me to work with paint for a long time. It is a process of exploration and discovery when I use colors and textures to help create depth and complexity each time. The medium's fluidity helps me understand the fleeting nature of dreams, which gives my pieces a touch of fluidity and movement. In addition, the glow of the oil paints is perfect for establishing surreal atmospheres, where light and shade fascinatingly play with each other on the canvas (Peppiatt, 2020). By connecting lights and colors, I create lively compositions that draw the attention of onlookers and allow them to enter a world of secrets.

Besides its aesthetic and technical characteristics, oil painting is also an emotional expression that helps me express the inexpressible part of the surreal experience. With every brushstroke, I can sense the externalization of my feelings and the revealing of my soul as I strive to unravel the human psyche and the obscure world of the subconscious. Oil painting primarily enables me to render the intangible landscapes of my thoughts on the canvas, thus allowing the viewer to come face to face with the imaginary worlds I create. Through the visual manipulation of the paint, I create wonder and arouse the viewers' imagination to explore their subconscious minds further.

Expanding Horizons

While researching the connection between surrealism and power structures, I tormented new research and experimentation methods. My journey of grasping the boundaries of my imagination led me to favor posthumanism theories and speculative fiction as my preferred paths to sketch alternative versions of the future. Human posthumanism overthrows the usual notion of human supremacy and pushes us to consider the close connection between humans, animals, and technology. Tearing the boundaries of the human and non-human, organic and artificial, posthumanist theories reveal the possibility of reshaping power and social structures (Braidotti, 2019). Although I find all these terms intriguing, I cannot wait to see how they can help me in my creative enterprises and give new perspectives on man's relationship with nature.

Also, speculative fiction has become an excellent area for developing new ideas about the future and the effects of progress on human society. I intend to unearth future power dynamics through speculative narratives when the social, political, and environmental landscapes are transformed. From the most terrifying dystopias to the best of utopias, speculative fiction provides various sources for critically examining power and domination in the dynamic world. Sharing ideas with my fellow artists and scholars is an integral part of my story about humans, animals, and technology. By participating in the ongoing conversations and working together, we exchange our viewpoints, share ideas, and explore each other's perspectives, fostering my intellectual curiosity and experience. These activities will broaden my understanding, obtain more knowledge, and build relationships with people who share my passion for the fantastic and mysterious.

Finally, my journey to Surrealism and power relations is a voyage of rediscovery, invention, and transformation. Additionally, pushing my boundaries by trying something new, going away from the realm of my craft, and communicating with my peers will help me pave a path to a more holistic and inclusive understanding of art and its role in society. While in the creative thinking world, I am always eager to break the rules, go against the grain, and empower others to participate in this adventure, which is no less exciting.

Conclusion:

My research on Surrealism and power dynamics leads viewers to ask questions about the authority system and to recognize the unfamiliar. Working from the principles of Surrealism and influential artists like Salvador Dali, René Magritte, and Leonora Carrington, I plan to create multifaceted spaces that challenge the conventional viewpoints of reality and stimulate severe talks for significance. Through experimenting with materials and processes, primarily using oil painting as a tactile medium, I try to satisfy viewers with physical feelings and re-think the meaning of reality. As my artistic practice grows, I am eager to explore and expand the surreal dreamscapes I create and invite the audience to join me on a transformative journey of enlightenment and discovery.

Bibliography:

Braidotti, R. (2019). A theoretical framework for the critical posthumanities. Theory, culture & society, 36(6), 31-61.

Bundschuh, J. (2018). Edward Hopper’s Nighthawks, 1942: The Ekphrastic Poet’s Collective Diner. Poetics Today, 39(2), 383-401.

Oswald, V. (2018). The Great Surrealists: Dreamers and Artists. Greenhaven Publishing LLC.

Peppiatt, M. (2020). The Making of Modern Art: Selected Writings. Yale University Press.

Rana, H. S. (2022). The Surreal Landscape as An Invitation to Imagine. NeuroQuantology, 20(4), 1379.

Tsolkas, A. (2024). The Influence of the Renaissance on Surrealism (Doctoral dissertation, University of Kent,).

Yeetin, P., & Buakaew, J. (2018). Kopi coffee shops: Political interaction spaces for Trang locals. Kasetsart Journal of Social Sciences, 39(2), 284-290.