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Portrait of Georges Hugnet
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© ADAGP, Paris and DACS, London 2004

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Portrait of Georges Hugnet 1934
This photograph shows Georges Hugnet, an artist, poet, critic and bookbinder closely connected with the surrealist movement. Described by Virgil Thomson as 'small, truculent and sentimental', he was one of the earliest historians of Dada, publishing a book of essays on the movement in 1957. In 1934 Hugnet opened a small bookbinding shop in Paris, where he created unique and elaborate book covers for his surrealist colleagues. Hugnet retreated from surrealist circles in 1938, after a violent quarrel with André Breton.

Glossary Open

Dada

A radical artistic and literary movement that was a reaction against the cultural climate that supported the First World War. The Dadaists took an anti-establishment attitude, questioning art's status and favouring performance and collage over traditional art techniques. Many Dadaists went on to become involved with Surrealism.

Surrealism

A literary and artistic movement founded by the poet André Breton in 1924. Many of the associated artists, such as Max Ernst and Jean Arp, had previously been involved with Dadaism. The movement sought to challenge conventions through the exploration of the subconscious mind, invoking the power of dreams and elements of chance. Cultural hierarchies were challenged by the combination of diverse elements in collages and sculptural assemblages. The movement is also notable for the collaborations between artists and writers evident in the Surrealists' many publications.

Dada, Surrealism

Details

  • Acc. No. GMA 3999
  • Medium Silver gelatine print
  • Size 23.10 x 17.50 cm
  • Credit Bequeathed by Gabrielle Keiller 1995

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