Four artworks of Surrealism explained

admin 2022年5月9日

©The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo / MOMAT/DNPartcom via BBC

Pre-reading questions:

1. Do you like art?
2. What type of art do you like?

Vocabulary:

1. animation /an-uh-MEY-shuhn/

[noun] – moving images created from drawings, models, etc. that are photographed or created by a computer
They used computer animation in the recent film.

2. artwork /AHRT-wurk/

[noun] – the pieces of art, such as drawings and photographs, that are used in books, newspapers, and magazines
All artwork you see in the room is done by my daughter.

3. dislike /dis-LAHYK/

[verb] – to not like someone or something
Sean seems to dislike any form of exercise.

4. fear /feer/

[noun] – an unpleasant emotion or thought that you have when you are frightened or worried by something dangerous, painful, or bad that is happening or might happen
I have a fear of dark places.

5. pass /pahs/

[verb] – to give something to someone
Could you pass the salt here, please?

Article reading:

Surrealism is a form of art that defies logic, tradition, and reason. Tate Modern and the Metropolitan Museum of Art have worked together on an exhibit that explores the world of imagination, emotions, and dreams.

Tusalava (1929) by Len Lye, New Zealand

© Stills Collection, Ngā Taonga Sound and Vision / Courtesy of the Len Lye Foundation via BBC

Lye was inspired to make this 10-minute animation by the Arrernte people of Central Australia’s legends about moth larvae and artworks from the Māori people and Samoa.

Sea (1929) by Koga Harue, Japan

© The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo / MOMAT/DNPartcom via BBC

“Sea” was created to show retaliation against the European Surrealism that Koga and his companions dislike.

Eine Kleine Nachtmusik (1943) by Dorothea Tanning, USA

© Tate / DACS, 2022 via BBC

Tanning discovered a way to show her hidden goals and fears through a life-size doll and a girl who is stopped from entering a strange, open door by a big sunflower with torn petals.

Long Distance (1976-2005) by Ted Joans, USA

© Private collection / Ted Joans estate, courtesy of Laura Corsiglia via BBC

This is a 10-minute consequence game in which one player sketches a scene and then covers it so that the next player can add to it and pass it on.

True or False:

1. Surrealism is a form of art that defies imagination, emotions, and dreams.
2. “Tusalava” is a 10-minute animation by Len Lye.
3. “Sea” was created in 1939.
4. “Long Distance” was created by Dorothea Tanning.
5. “Long Distance” is a 10-minute consequence game.

Fill in the blanks:

1. This book’s _______ looks fantastic!
2. Mina was able to overcome her _______ of heights.
3. I _______ going to amusement parks. They make me feel very tired.
4. Please _______ your papers forward.
5. It’s now easier to create films using computer _______.

Listening: