1. Surrealism as a Gateway to the Subconscious
Surrealism was deeply inspired by the psychoanalytic theories of Sigmund Freud. Artists like Salvador Dalí and André Breton viewed their works as expressions of unconscious desires, fears, and dreams. In their creations, symbols acted as keys to unlock the subconscious. For example:
- The melting clocks in Dalí’s "The Persistence of Memory" may symbolize the unreality of time in the dream world.
- Magritte’s apple or mask seems to conceal the truth, emphasizing the multilayered nature of reality.
Surrealist paintings evoke both unease and curiosity, encouraging viewers to reflect: what lies behind these symbols?
EXISTENTIAL DUALISM – magnets and posters available HERE.
2. The Universality of Symbolism
One reason surrealism continues to resonate with people is its universality. While many works reflect the personal experiences of the artist, their symbolism touches on fundamental aspects of human existence:
- Time – Often depicted as clocks, hourglasses, or the sun, representing our obsession with its passage.
- Death – Seen in skulls, desolate landscapes, or decayed objects, reminding us of life's fleeting nature.
- Love and Eroticism – Frequently explored in surrealist works, illustrating the complexity of human relationships.
These universal themes allow every viewer to find something in these paintings that resonates with their own life.
THE QUEEN OF PATIENCE – posters and other products available HERE.
3. Mystery and Ambiguity
Unlike more realistic art movements, surrealism invites interpretation. Its works rarely provide clear answers, leaving viewers with questions. This aura of mystery makes surrealism feel like a puzzle—the more we explore it, the more we wish to uncover.
A prime example is René Magritte’s "The Son of Man", where a man’s face is partially obscured by an apple. Why? What did the artist wish to conceal, and what to reveal? This ambiguity is one reason surrealist works never grow old.
4. The Evolution of Surrealism in Culture
The symbolism of surrealism has permeated modern pop culture. From films like Christopher Nolan’s "Inception" to music videos and advertising, surrealism continues to inspire new forms of expression. Contemporary artists such as Igor Morski and Victor Castillo reinterpret the symbolism of classic surrealists, adapting it to the modern age.
5. How Surrealism’s Symbolism Helps Viewers Discover Themselves
Ultimately, the greatest strength of surrealism lies in its ability to activate the imagination. Viewing surrealist works, audiences not only attempt to understand the artist but also themselves. Does a shattered mirror signify inner conflict? Does a floating balloon symbolize freedom? The interpretation depends on the viewer’s personal context.
MAGMA – posters available HERE.
Surrealism fascinates because it appeals to our imagination and subconscious, inviting us to uncover symbols and hidden meanings. It is like a labyrinth that never ceases to intrigue. Each painting is a new challenge and an opportunity to immerse oneself in a world where reality merges with dreams.
Surrealism by Mariusz Lewandowski
Mariusz Lewandowski gained recognition for his unique, visionary works. His paintings captivate with profound symbolism, dreamlike atmospheres, and technical mastery. This Polish surrealist painter often depicted vast, epic landscapes dominated by massive structures, surreal figures, and cosmic scenery. His works seemed to open doors to another dimension, where the laws of physics and logic do not apply. The monumental nature of his art inspires awe and a sense of encountering something grand and intangible.
His works explore themes such as impermanence, solitude, immortality, and human nature. Recurring motifs include:
- Towers and ruins – Symbolizing the passage of time and the fragility of human creations.
- Masks and shapeless figures – Referencing the mystery of human identity and spirituality.
- Light in darkness – Highlighting hope and transcendence amidst chaos and obscurity.
Lewandowski skillfully used color, creating paintings of extraordinary depth. His signature hues of blue, red, and gold built a mystical atmosphere. The contrast between darkness and light often symbolized the struggle between good and evil, life and death, the known and the unknown.
Lewandowski’s style drew from the traditions of masters like Zdzisław Beksiński but was enriched with his own modern vision of surrealism. His works combined technical precision with abstract, emotional storytelling, making them both unique and immediately recognizable.
Lewandowski achieved particular acclaim in the music industry, illustrating album covers for metal bands like Bell Witch and Psycroptic. His paintings perfectly captured the dark, melancholic, and transcendental spirit of these music genres, attracting fans of both art and sound.
THE ESSENCE OF FREEDOM – products featuring this painting available HERE.
As with other surrealist works, Lewandowski’s art leaves viewers with questions. His paintings lack definitive interpretations, making them endlessly fascinating and allowing every viewer to discover something new within them.
This is more than just visual art—it’s a journey to other dimensions of consciousness.
If you wish to enjoy Mariusz Lewandowski’s art throughout 2025, visit https://www.lewandowski.art/ and order a calendar featuring his captivating paintings!