Don’t miss this dream-worthy Surrealist art exhibition at Te Papa

14 Jun 2021

A much-anticipated world famous collection of Surrealist art is now on display at Te Papa.

Surrealist Art: Masterpieces from Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen | He Toi Pohewa: He Toi Marupō o Muhiama o Boijmans Van Beuningen has just opened and runs until 31 October 2021 in Te Papa’s gallery, Toi Art. The 180 fascinating pieces include major works by artists such as Salvador Dalí, Max Ernst, Leonora Carrington, René Magritte and Marcel Duchamp.

The renowned collection is coming from Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen in Rotterdam and includes sculpture, furniture, paintings, graphic design, prints and photography – and Te Papa is the only venue in the Australasia region to host the exhibition.

Visitors can see iconic Surrealist works such as Dalí’s Mae West Lips Sofa (1938), a playfully subversive couch shaped as a lush pair of red lips, and René Magritte’s La maison de verre (The glass house, 1939), an uncanny masterpiece in which a man’s face looks out from the back of his head.

Courtney Johnston, Te Papa’s Tumu Whakarae | Chief Executive, is delighted that New Zealanders will get this rare opportunity to see some of the world’s most important Surrealist works.

“Surrealist art has created many of the most defining images of the last 100 years. The exhibition will highlight the creative, influential and revolutionary nature of these artists and their work,” she says.

Surrealist Art | He Toi Pohewa will be the largest Surrealist exhibition ever shown in New Zealand and none of the works have been seen in the country before. The last significant Surrealist show toured to the Auckland City Art Gallery in 1972. Surrealism was launched by manifesto in Paris in 1924 and brought together a group of artists and writers who saw their work as a political act. Surrealist Art | He Toi Pohewa includes artworks from the 1920s to the 1960s.

Te Papa Head of Art Charlotte Davy says that Surrealism sought to disrupt, unsettle, and provoke. 

“Surrealist artists tried to create a new kind of reality which was centred around dreams, the unconscious, and the irrational. They used playful, subversive techniques and materials to shock and surprise their audiences,” says Charlotte. “Visitors will be struck by the power of Surrealist ideas which are still incredibly relevant today – both politically and as an influence on contemporary artists.” 

The exhibition includes work by all of the major Surrealist artists. The most prominent artist in the exhibition is Salvador Dalí. His works include exquisitely fine paintings and printmaking, playful sculptures and design, and unsettling film. 

Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen is currently undergoing large-scale renovation work. Director Sjarel Ex says he is delighted to be able to present art from their extensive collection in overseas institutions.

“With Boijmans Abroad, our top works from the collection here in Rotterdam can be seen in museums worldwide, and always in a different setting. We wish the Surrealists a good journey and we look forward to seeing them again in our new building Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen,” Sjarel says.

Resene has supplied all the paint to the exhibition with each space having its own unique colour palette that supports the collection of art that’s sure to challenge and delight.

The entry to the ‘Desire’ room is painted in Resene Au Chico, a mellow oxide red brown. Another room of the exhibit has been painted from tip to toe in Resene Gothic, a warm and complex blue with yellow undertones.

For the first time, Te Papa is offering a youth price, with reduced entry charges for people aged under 26.

“We believe the Surrealists’ subversive and playful work will have particular appeal to a young audience, and we want to make this exhibition as accessible as possible to young New Zealanders,” Charlotte says.

For more details and to book your tickets, visit www.tepapa.nz/surrealists.

Published: 14 Jun 2021