Another World @ Dean Gallery
More of a way of thinking than a style, Surrealism encompasses sculpture, painting, literature, photography and film. Spanning several countries and evolving over almost five decades, it is a sign of the curator’s skill that Dean Gallery's current exhibition – Another World: Dali, Magritte, Miro and the Surrealists – has managed to tame and impress some order on the vast range of works on show.
Throughout, the artworks are hung as they would have been originally, grouped together, almost crowding the walls. The hanging is extended over the corridors and stairways, so the intensity never subsides. Although a little overwhelming at times, it certainly helps recreate the electric atmosphere these dreamy works must have achieved when first shown.
Those hoping to see the big names will not be disappointed. Duchamp’s fountain and the famous dreamscapes of Magritte’s Threatening Weather and Dali’s Port Ligat are all in attendance. But, as the show gives no greater prominence to these celebrities, neither should the viewer be distracted by the more famous works. With such a broad range on display, it's exciting to discover the less well known artists, spending time with the more minor works.
Lee Miller’s street photography evidences a more exploratory technique, shown alongside intriguing photographs from the 1938 Exposition International de Surrealism, where surrealist luminaries each dressed a mannequin.
With such a wide range of work, a good few hours need be set aside to truly make the most of this wide-ranging exhibition.
Until 9 Jan. £7 (£5)
http://www.nationalgalleries.org