SURREAL + CONCEPTUAL = SYMBOLIC REALISM

Symbolic Realism is a new art movement that draws from the Surrealistic, Symbolic, Realistic and Conceptual traditions. Symbolic realistic arts explore meaningful, personal and expressive material. Inspiration for Symbolic Realism includes real objects, situations and resources including psychology, poetry, philosophy, comics, nature, cultural icons, and contemporary art. Tools that symbolic realistic artists deploy include expressive vehicles like hybrid anthropomorphic characters, everyday and mythological narratives, reflections on external and internal environments, and often build strong connections to the viewer that fosters a sense of wonder and community. Symbolic Realism is a vibrant evolving genre that lends context to describe artwork and creates a reference point in relation to contemporary art and art history.

Identifying with a group of kindred artists is an empowering process that many artists deserve. Other artists in the Symbolic Realism tradition include Surrealists and Conceptual artists like Odilon Redon, Edvard Munch, Giorgio de Chirico, Bruce Nauman, Eva Hesse, Betye Saar, Mark Tansey, Pat Andrea, and Mernet Larson. I realize that as an art-repreneur, spearheading a fledgling Symbolic Realism art movement, that I have a responsibility to galvanize my fellow artists. Art creation, as a painter, can be a solitary process. Through project tasks including outreach, research, creation, collaboration, publication and curation, I look forward to building our network of fine arts professionals.