Dismissed, excluded and now adored: why are women surrealists suddenly everywhere?
Briefly

In the evolution of art history, Whitney Chadwick's 1985 book revealed the significant contributions of women artists to surrealism, a movement previously overshadowed by male narratives. Although artists like Roland Penrose viewed women primarily as muses, the recent centennial of the Surrealist Manifesto rekindled interest in those excluded from most historical accounts. Artists such as Leonor Fini challenged reductive views of their roles, claiming their identities as artists transcended gender limitations. This moment reflects a broader recognition of the complexities and nuances of female artists in surrealism.
Penrose insisted that women in surrealism were merely muses rather than artists, a notion that was challenged by women artists who sought recognition beyond their gender.
Chadwick's 1985 book fundamentally shifted perceptions of surrealism, shining a light on female artists who had been historically marginalized and overlooked.
Leonor Fini called Penrose's assertion that women were only muses 'bullshit', asserting her identity as a painter, not limited by her gender.
The recent surge in interest in surrealist women coincided with the 100th anniversary of the Surrealist Manifesto, highlighting their exclusion from male-dominated groups.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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