Digital Surrealism: Creating Surreal Art in the Digital Age

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 18 July 2023 7 min read

Art, in its many forms, has always been a gateway to the depths of human creativity. Among the myriad art styles, surrealism has held a unique place—exploring the wild, untamed territories of the subconscious mind. Now, as we navigate the digital age, a new wave of artistry is emerging: digital surrealism. Digital surrealism explores the intersection of reality and imagination, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in art. This blog will guide you through the fascinating world of digital surrealism, offering insights into its history, creation, and how you can create your own surreal digital masterpieces.

Exploring Surrealism

Surrealism, an art movement that began in the early 20th century, sought to explore the strange and fantastical world of dreams, the subconscious, and the irrational. Let's dive into the origin of surrealism, its defining characteristics, and some of the famous artists who made surrealism what it is today.

Origin of Surrealism

Surrealism was born out of the ashes of World War I in Europe. The devastation and loss led many artists and writers to question the rationality and logic that had led to such a catastrophic conflict. This questioning of reality and the exploration of the irrational mind became the foundation of surrealism. The movement was officially launched in 1924 in Paris by André Breton, a French writer and poet, with the publication of the first Surrealist Manifesto.

Characteristics of Surrealism

Surrealism is characterized by scenes and images that appear illogical, disjointed, or dreamlike. These elements are often juxtaposed in ways that challenge our understanding of reality. There are two main approaches to creating surreal art:

Automatism: This approach involves creating art without conscious thought, tapping directly into the subconscious or dream state.
Veristic Surrealism: This method involves creating hyper-realistic images of bizarre or fantastical scenes.

Both approaches aim to break free from the shackles of conventional thought, to explore the vast and untamed world of the subconscious.

Famous Surrealist Artists

The surrealism movement was graced by many phenomenal artists who contributed significantly to its growth. Salvador Dalí, with his iconic melting clocks and dreamlike landscapes, is often the first name that comes to mind when surrealism is mentioned. Dalí's work, such as "The Persistence of Memory," epitomizes veristic surrealism.

René Magritte, another prominent surrealist artist, is famous for his thought-provoking images that challenge our perceptions of reality. His piece "The Treachery of Images," featuring a pipe with the caption "This is not a pipe," forces us to question the nature of representation.

Finally, there's Max Ernst, a prolific artist who experimented with a variety of techniques and styles. His work "The Elephant Celebes" showcases his characteristic blend of reality and fantasy, making familiar shapes seem alien and strange.

These artists, and many others, pushed the boundaries of art and reality, paving the way for the exploration of digital surrealism.

Digital Art Overview

Before we delve into the world of digital surrealism, let's take a step back and understand the broader landscape of digital art. We will explore what digital art is, the tools used, and the various genres within digital art.

What is Digital Art?

At its core, digital art is an artistic work or practice that uses digital technology as an essential part of the creative process. This can include everything from digital painting and animation to 3D modeling and even virtual reality environments. The key aspect that differentiates digital art from traditional art forms is the use of digital devices—such as computers, tablets, and software—to create and manipulate artistic elements.

Tools for Digital Art

As a digital artist, your toolbox is quite different from a traditional artist's. Here are a few key tools that you'll likely encounter:

Graphic Tablets: These devices allow you to draw or paint directly onto a computer. They often come with a stylus, which acts like a digital pen or brush.
Software: Programs like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Corel Painter provide a digital canvas and a wide range of tools to create your artwork. There's also 3D rendering software, like Blender, for more complex projects.
Hardware: A powerful computer can make a significant difference in your digital art process, especially when working with high-resolution images or 3D models.

Genres of Digital Art

Just like traditional art, digital art comes in a wide array of genres and styles. Some of these include:

Pixel Art: This style emulates the visual aesthetic of early computer graphics, where each pixel is placed by hand.
Vector Art: Made using vector graphics software, this art style is scalable without loss of resolution.
3D Modeling: This genre involves creating a mathematical representation of a three-dimensional object or scene in specialized software.
Digital Painting: Here, traditional painting techniques are applied using digital tools.

These are just a few examples of the vast array of genres within digital art. Now, let's see what happens when we combine the digital medium with the imaginative world of surrealism.

Merging Surrealism and Digital Art

With a solid understanding of both surrealism and digital art, we can now explore the exciting world of digital surrealism. This is where the unlimited potential of digital art meets the boundless imagination of surrealism.

Surrealism in Digital Art

Just as in traditional surrealism, digital surrealism seeks to blend the lines between the real and the imagined. However, the digital medium offers a new level of freedom and control, allowing artists to create more intricate and fantastical designs. It enables artists to manipulate reality in ways that physical mediums cannot, making it a perfect platform for surrealistic expression. Digital surrealism truly exemplifies the concept of 'exploring the intersection of reality and imagination in the digital age'.

Creating Surreal Digital Art

Creating digital surreal art is an adventure that begins with an idea—a concept that challenges reality. The next step is to bring this idea to life using digital tools:

Conceptualize: Sketch out your idea or make a rough draft on your digital canvas.
Design: Use your digital art tools to create the elements of your piece. This could involve digital painting, 3D modeling, or even photomanipulation.
Refine: Add details, play with colors, textures, and lighting to enhance the surreal effect.

Remember, in surrealism, there are no rules. Your canvas is a playground for your imagination.

Digital Surrealist Artists

Many artists are making waves in the world of digital surrealism. Artists like Erik Johansson, known for his mind-bending photomanipulations, and Marta Nael, whose vibrant digital paintings evoke dreamy, otherworldly landscapes, are just a few examples. They, along with many others, continue to push the boundaries of reality through their art, inspiring others to explore their own surreal visions.

Creating Your Own Digital Surreal Art

Got an idea that's too wild for the real world? Great, let's bring it to life in the digital realm. Creating your own piece of digital surrealism can be both thrilling and challenging. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate this artistic journey.

Choosing the Right Tools

First things first, you need to equip yourself with the right digital tools. This could include software like Adobe Photoshop for photo manipulation, Procreate for digital painting, or Blender for 3D modeling. The tool you choose depends on your style and the type of surreal effect you want to achieve. Try out different software and see which one feels right for you. Remember, the tool is just an extension of your creativity.

Planning Your Artwork

Now that you've got your tools, it's time to plan your artwork. Start with a simple sketch or basic layout of your idea. This helps you visualize your concept and serves as a roadmap for your project. Remember, in digital surrealism, your only limit is your imagination. So, feel free to dream big and make the impossible possible.

Executing Your Ideas

It's time to bring your ideas to life. Use your chosen digital tools to create, manipulate and combine elements in your artwork. Don't be afraid to experiment and make mistakes — that's part of the creative process. And remember, in the world of digital surrealism, there's no such thing as 'too weird' or 'too far-fetched'. It's all about exploring the intersection of reality and imagination.

Adding the Finishing Touches

Once you've created your surreal scene, it's time to add the finishing touches. This could include adjusting colors, adding shadows, or adding texture. These final details can really make your artwork pop and add that extra layer of surrealism. So, take your time and enjoy this final step of your creative process.

Showcasing and Selling Your Art

By now, you've created your very first piece of digital surrealism. Feels good, right? But it doesn't have to end there. Showcasing and selling your art can be a rewarding next step, allowing others to appreciate your unique vision, and maybe even make a few bucks on the side.

Building an Online Portfolio

First things first, you'll need a space to display your work. Building an online portfolio can be a great way to do this. There are plenty of platforms out there like Behance, ArtStation, or even Instagram that cater to digital artists. Choose the one that suits your style and needs. Your portfolio is your personal art gallery — make sure it reflects your personality and showcases your best work.

Promoting Your Art

Once you have your portfolio set up, it's time to draw people in. Social media can be a powerful tool for this. Share your work on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest. Join online communities of digital artists and surrealists. Participate in discussions, share your process, and learn from others. Remember, your art is a conversation — be open, be engaging, and most importantly, be yourself.

Selling Your Art

Finally, if you're ready to take the plunge, you can start selling your art. Websites like Etsy, Redbubble, or Society6 allow artists to sell their work as prints, t-shirts, phone cases, and more. You can also consider selling digital downloads or licenses for your work. Just remember, art is subjective — not everyone will love your work and that's okay. Focus on creating art that you love and chances are, you'll find others who love it too.

If you've enjoyed exploring the world of digital surrealism, don't miss the chance to dive deeper into this fascinating art form by joining Andrea Orejarena's workshop, 'Intro to Surreal Art'. This workshop will provide you with a solid foundation in surreal art techniques and inspire you to create your own unique and captivating surrealist masterpieces in the digital age.