Realism vs. Surrealism: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 6, 2023
Realism depicts life as it is; Surrealism combines dreams and reality.
Key Differences
Realism is an artistic and literary movement that strives to depict the world as it truly is, without embellishment or idealization. On the other hand, Surrealism is an artistic and literary movement that blends dreamlike images and bizarre juxtapositions, seeking to unlock the unconscious mind.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Realism tends to present a direct, objective view of the everyday world, capturing its mundanities and veracities. In contrast, Surrealism delves into a fantastical realm, merging the ordinary with the extraordinary, and often defying logic.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Artists and writers in the Realism movement observed and depicted life with a critical eye, aiming to represent it authentically. Surrealism, meanwhile, often drew from dream imagery and the irrational, emphasizing the mysterious and inexplicable aspects of human psyche.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
In Realism, there's a strong emphasis on detail, clarity, and precision. The viewer can often relate directly to the content. With Surrealism, artworks or texts can evoke confusion, surprise, or deep introspection, as they play with unexpected combinations and illogical scenarios.
Harlon Moss
Oct 06, 2023
Realism can be seen as a reflection of the tangible, material world around us. Surrealism, however, can be considered an exploration of the intangible, immaterial realm of dreams, subconscious thoughts, and emotions.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Origin of Movement
Mid-19th century, primarily in France
Early 20th century, Paris
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Inspiration
Everyday life, society, and its struggles
Dreams, the subconscious, and the irrational
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Technique
Detailed, precise, and clear depiction
Dreamlike, illogical juxtapositions
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Main Objective
Represent reality without embellishment
Unlock and portray the unconscious mind
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
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Realism and Surrealism Definitions
Realism
An accurate, detailed depiction of nature or life.
The photographer's Realism captured the raw emotions of the subjects.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Surrealism
An art movement blending dreams with reality.
The artwork's bizarre imagery is a classic representation of Surrealism.
Sara Rehman
Oct 06, 2023
Realism
A philosophical viewpoint that entities exist independently of perception.
The scientist argued for Realism in the debate, insisting that atoms existed even if we couldn't see them.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Surrealism
A style that juxtaposes unexpected elements.
The film blended comedy and horror in a blend of Surrealism.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Realism
A focus on portraying reality without idealization.
The painting shows the hardships of everyday life with stark Realism.
Harlon Moss
Oct 06, 2023
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Surrealism
Artistic expression of the unconscious mind.
His paintings tap into the depths of Surrealism, revealing a dreamlike landscape.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 06, 2023
Surrealism
Emphasis on the mysterious and dreamlike.
The play transported the audience to a world of Surrealism, where time flowed backward.
Sara Rehman
Oct 06, 2023
Realism
The representation in art or literature of objects, actions, or social conditions as they actually are, without idealization or presentation in abstract form.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 12, 2023
Surrealism
Literature and art that defy conventional logic.
The poet's use of language was a deep dive into Surrealism, merging the nonsensical with the profound.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Realism
The scholastic doctrine, opposed to nominalism, that universals exist independently of their being thought.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 12, 2023
Surrealism
A literary and artistic movement of the 1900s that attempts to express the workings of the subconscious and is characterized by fantastic imagery and incongruous juxtaposition of subject matter.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 12, 2023
Realism
The modern philosophical doctrine, opposed to idealism, that objects exist independently of their being perceived.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 12, 2023
Realism
A concern for fact or reality and rejection of the impractical and visionary.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 12, 2023
Surrealism
An artistic movement and an aesthetic philosophy that aims for the liberation of the mind by emphasizing the critical and imaginative powers of the subconscious.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 12, 2023
Surrealism
A 20th century movement of artists and writers (developing out of Dadaism) who used fantastic images and incongruous juxtapositions in order to represent unconscious thoughts and dreams
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 12, 2023
Realism
(sciences) The viewpoint that an external reality exists independent of observation.
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Apr 12, 2023
Realism
(philosophy) A doctrine that universals are real—they exist and are distinct from the particulars that instantiate them.
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Apr 12, 2023
Realism
As opposed to nominalism, the doctrine that genera and species are real things or entities, existing independently of our conceptions. According to realism the Universal exists ante rem (Plato), or in re (Aristotle).
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 12, 2023
Realism
Fidelity to nature or to real life; representation without idealization, and making no appeal to the imagination; adherence to the actual fact.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 12, 2023
Realism
The practise of assessing facts and the probabilities of the consequences of actions in an objective manner; avoidance of unrealistic or impractical beliefs or efforts. Contrasted to idealism, self-deception, overoptimism, overimaginativeness, or visionariness.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 12, 2023
Realism
The attribute of accepting the facts of life and favoring practicality and literal truth
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Apr 12, 2023
Realism
(philosophy) the philosophical doctrine that physical object continue to exist when not perceived
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Apr 12, 2023
Realism
The state of being actual or real;
The reality of his situation slowly dawned on him
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Apr 12, 2023
Realism
An artistic movement in 19th century France; artists and writers strove for detailed realistic and factual description
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Apr 12, 2023
Realism
(philosophy) the philosophical doctrine that abstract concepts exist independent of their names
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Apr 12, 2023
Realism
An art and literature movement that represents life as it is.
The novel's Realism was praised for its detailed depiction of the working class.
Janet White
Oct 06, 2023
Realism
Truthful representation of the mundane.
The documentary was lauded for its Realism in showing the struggles of refugees.
Sara Rehman
Oct 06, 2023
FAQs
When did the Realism movement begin?
The Realism movement primarily began in the mid-19th century.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Who started the Surrealism movement?
Surrealism was initiated by André Breton in the early 20th century.
Janet White
Oct 06, 2023
Why did artists turn to Realism?
Artists turned to Realism as a reaction against Romanticism, aiming to depict the truth and hardships of everyday life.
Sara Rehman
Oct 06, 2023
Can Realism be subjective?
While Realism aims for objective representation, artists' perspectives can introduce subtle subjectivity.
Janet White
Oct 06, 2023
Which artists are synonymous with Realism?
Gustave Courbet and Jean-François Millet are among the artists synonymous with Realism.
Janet White
Oct 06, 2023
How do Realism and Surrealism approach the concept of truth?
Realism seeks to represent the tangible truth of everyday life, while Surrealism explores deeper, often subconscious truths.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 06, 2023
What is the primary focus of Realism in art?
Realism focuses on depicting subjects as they appear in real life, without embellishment.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Which writers or poets are associated with Surrealism?
André Breton, Paul Éluard, and Louis Aragon are key figures in Surrealist literature.
Janet White
Oct 06, 2023
How did societal changes impact the emergence of Realism?
Industrialization, urbanization, and societal changes highlighted everyday struggles, influencing artists to adopt a Realist approach.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
How does Surrealism differ from Realism?
Surrealism blends dreamlike elements with reality, often defying logic, while Realism depicts life as it is.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
What are the key themes in Surrealism?
Key themes include dreams, the unconscious mind, and the irrational.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
How has Surrealism influenced modern art?
Surrealism has paved the way for abstract art forms and has influenced various media, from film to advertising.
Sara Rehman
Oct 06, 2023
How has technology impacted the Realism movement?
The advent of photography in the 19th century both challenged and complemented Realism by offering another medium to capture reality.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Are there literary counterparts to these art movements?
Yes, both Realism and Surrealism have counterparts in literature, with works portraying real-life or dreamlike narratives respectively.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Can a work be both Realistic and Surrealistic?
While they have contrasting approaches, some works, especially in literature, can have Realistic narratives with Surrealistic elements.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 06, 2023
What role did psychology play in the development of Surrealism?
The emerging study of psychology, especially the works of Freud, deeply influenced Surrealists' exploration of the subconscious.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Is Surrealism still prominent today?
While the formal movement has waned, its influence persists in contemporary art, film, and popular culture.
Janet White
Oct 06, 2023
Are there sub-genres within these movements?
Yes, both movements have spawned various sub-genres or related movements, like Magical Realism which combines elements of both.
Sara Rehman
Oct 06, 2023
Why are dreamlike images predominant in Surrealism?
Surrealists believed in tapping into the unconscious mind, and dreams offered a direct gateway to this uncharted realm.
Sara Rehman
Oct 06, 2023
Does Realism have philosophical implications?
Yes, beyond art, Realism also refers to the philosophical belief that certain objective realities exist outside of human perception.
Harlon Moss
Oct 06, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
