Surrealism

Dream-like imagery with unexpected juxtapositions and symbolism

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Record038-SU
AestheticSurrealism
ClassExpressive / Chaotic
StatusINGESTING
Example of the Surrealism aesthetic
Archive platesurrealism

Source document

Registrar's index cards on the platen glass — captured by the scanner

Elio Archive — Registrar's OfficeSurrealismFILE 038-SU
When to use it
  • Avant-garde creative campaigns
  • Conceptual editorial design
  • Fantasy and sci-fi projects
  • Thought-provoking installations
Perfect for
  • Luxury fashion brands
  • Conceptual photographers
  • Experimental media
  • Creative publications
What it looks like
  • Impossible scenarios
  • Melting or floating objects
  • Hybrid creatures
  • Metaphorical compositions

Aesthetic profile

8-channel console — dominant channels taped & circled by the registrar

Attribute Console — 038-SU 8 CH ACTIVEFIG. 1
CH01Minimal
MaximalR·50
CH02Analog
DigitalL·50
CH03Restrained
ExpressiveR·80
CH04Cool
WarmCTR·0
CH05Futuristic
NostalgicR·30
CH06Structured
ChaoticR·70
CH07Dark
LightL·20
CH08Organic
GeometricL·60

strongest channels circled — leans expressive, chaotic, organic ✦

Profile card

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Aesthetic Profile
Surrealism
MaximalAnalogExpressiveWarmNostalgicChaoticDarkOrganic
ExpressiveChaoticOrganic
eliosignal.com/styles/surrealism
Color palette
RomanceMystery

Photo Direction

How to shoot this aesthetic

"The photograph the unconscious would take if it had a camera"

Shot list

  • Portrait of subject with an impossible or unexpected object held or worn as if entirely normal
  • Wide shot in a familiar setting kitchen, office, park with one element that cannot exist there
  • Double exposure portrait merging the subject's face with a landscape, both given equal reality

Lighting

Shadowless, directionless light for the uncanny or conversely, a hyper-real single source that makes the impossible scene feel perfectly documented

Mood Board

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Editorial Depth

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Historical Context
Key Practitioners
What to Avoid

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Cross-references

Conceptual ArtIllustrationDigital Art

About this aesthetic

What is the Surrealism aesthetic?
Dream-like imagery with unexpected juxtapositions and symbolism
When should I use the Surrealism aesthetic?
Use it for: Avant-garde creative campaigns; Conceptual editorial design; Fantasy and sci-fi projects; Thought-provoking installations.
What is the Surrealism style perfect for?
Perfect for Luxury fashion brands, Conceptual photographers, Experimental media, Creative publications.
What does the Surrealism aesthetic look like?
Visuals typically feature: Impossible scenarios; Melting or floating objects; Hybrid creatures; Metaphorical compositions.

Build with the surrealism aesthetic

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