What is the definition of the term 'surrealism' and how is it used in art and literature?

Surrealism is a 20th-century art movement that aimed to unleash the power of the imagination by exploring the irrational and subconscious mind. The term 'surrealism' was coined by French writer Guillaume Apollinaire in 1917, and the movement became an important influence on both art and literature.

Surrealist artists and writers sought to liberate their creativity by tapping into the power of the subconscious mind. They often used dream-like imagery and unexpected juxtapositions of objects to create works that challenged conventional notions of reality. The movement was characterized by a fascination with the strange, the absurd, and the mysterious.

Surrealism had a significant impact on a wide range of artistic and literary movements, including abstract expressionism, pop art, and magical realism. Many famous artists and writers, such as Salvador Dali, Max Ernst, and Andre Breton, were associated with the movement.