Jose Pierre (1927–1999)

As this book progresses, it becomes increasingly clear that Andre Breton is a huge prude. It's clear to the other surrealists, too, who spend most of their time trying to fuck with him, telling ever more gross and improbable stories. It's a delightful read.

I would give this 5 stars if it were a larger format for more legible type and larger presentations of the numerous images. Author José Pierre as a Surrealism movement participant was a disciple of André Breton and the metaphoric, poetic entries here include, in addition to the expected name entries for artists, entries for topics like "God" and "Expulsion" that are defined with only a Breton quote. The subjective and evocative descriptions used for definitions make this a dictionary that show more may be read like a book. Obviously in awe of the automatism that defined the early, largely literary, beginnings of Surrealism, Pierre is more critical of the late stage painted, even as far as critical of even Salvador Dalí ("...techniques concentrating on detail but lacking greatness..."). He does appreciate Man Ray: "...undiminished inventiveness..." where he surveys the oneiric (dream-inspired) phantasmagorical output of painters and some scultptors that seem to be the ultimate inheritors of the post-Symbolist Surrealists. It is also interesting to read how so much of the main movement was rent by political considerations with people like Pablo Picasso criticized for communist leanings while the dedicated core appeared to have anarchist leanings. show less

This tiny softcover book has eleven unnumbered pages of text, illustrated by fifteen plates; or fifteen plates contextualized by a brief essay, depending on how you look at it. The page size is roughly that of a postcard, and the plates are in full color.

Pierre's essay provides a thumbnail history of Surrealism before 1940, with emphasis on painting. He is no fan of Salvador Dali, despite the inclusion of two Dali paintings among the plates. He does extol the work of Rene Magritte, who also show more rates the inclusion of two paintings. The other artists so highlighted are Giorgio de Chirico and Max Ernst.

The book is an admirably efficient overview of its topic. show less

Illustrated study of what might collectively be termed the ‘anti-realistic’ trends in late 19th / early 20th century art. Pierre’s survey is a broad one, with chapters on the decorative as well as the fine arts. Hundreds of works are reproduced, although the quality of the reproductions isn’t always the best. Still, a useful volume for anyone interested in these artistic milieux.