Objects of Desire: Surrealism and Design, 1984-2020, CaixaForum, Barcelona: until 27 September 2020

This is archived material. It is for reference purposes only.

This exhibition explores the link, both ways, between Surrealism and design, juxtaposing surrealist works of art and outstanding design pieces from the last 100 years.

Following the publication of André Breton's Surrealist Manifesto, in 1924, Surrealism quickly became an international intellectual and political movement with members from diverse backgrounds and disciplines, including writing, film and the fine arts.

Design and everyday objects were a great source of inspiration and had a crucial role in its evolution. Less known, however, is  the decisive impact that Surrealism had on design, which questioned the functionalist dogma of design "form follows function." In the light of the growing criticism of rationalist design since the 30s and, especially, after World War II, Surrealism opened new paths that addressed emotions, fantasies, fears and other factual issues.

The exhibition sheds new light on this fascinating dialogue, juxtaposing Surrealist works of art and design pieces so as to reveal parallels that have rarely been studied. Paintings, sculptures, collectables, posters, magazines, books and photographs, as well as historical films,  are also included. Among the artists exhibited are Gae Aulenti, Björk, Claude Cahun, Achille Castiglioni, Giorgio de Chirico, Le Corbusier, Salvador Dalí, Isamu Noguchi or Meret Oppenheim, among many others. 

CaixaForum

Av. Francesc Ferrer i Guàrdia, 6-8, 08038 Barcelona

Objects of Desire: Surrealism and Design, 1984-2020, CaixaForum, Barcelona: until 27 September 2020
Objects of Desire: Surrealism and Design, 1984-2020, CaixaForum, Barcelona: until 27 September 2020

Opening Hours

Monday:
10:00 - 20:00
Tuesday:
10:00 - 20:00
Wednesday:
10:00 - 20:00
Thursday:
10:00 - 20:00
Friday:
10:00 - 20:00
Saturday:
10:00 - 20:00
Sunday:
10:00 - 20:00