

24 – Laxton – Surrealism at Play
Jun 30, 2020
The discussion dives into Susan Laxton's 'Surrealism at Play,' merging art history with game studies. Key themes include how surrealism intersects with psychoanalysis and the unconscious mind, showcasing relatable examples like food cravings and gaming experiences. The podcast also critiques representation in Surrealist art and explores the radical nature of play as a resistance against societal norms. Additionally, there's a look at innovative photography games and the chaotic creativity of urban environments intertwined with surrealist collaboration.
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Surrealism Uses Play to Disrupt Modernity
- Surrealism channels psychoanalysis to disrupt mechanized modernity and Taylorism.
- Play serves as the tool to access unconscious thought and resist functionalist rationality.
Psychoanalysis Explains Play's Role
- The Freudian model divides the mind into id (instincts), ego (conscious self), and superego (social rules).
- Play offers a route to access the unconscious id, bypassing rational ego and social superego.
Rayographs Harness Chance in Art
- Surrealist Man Ray's rayographs use chance and mechanization to short-circuit intentionality in art.
- The artist acts as a lens, releasing the machine and unconscious processes to shape the artwork.