This list is in the spirit of the Surrealist Movement as developed by Andre Breton and expanded into modern times by international groups and individuals. This does not imply a personality cult or imposed uniformity, but an awareness of the real surrealist tradition which tends to be obscured or falsified by academic and art industry commentators.

In Breton's original definition, Surrealism is "Psychic automatism in its pure state, by which one proposes to express--verbally, by means of the written word, or in any other manner--the actual functioning of thought. The dictation of thought in the absence of any control exercised by reason, exempt from any aesthetic or moral concern."

David Gascoyne wrote, "Surrealism is not a style, nor an aesthetic, nor simply a way of writing or painting, but a universal activity of the mind unlimited to any one particular time or place. Widening and deepening the whole human experience, it is the germ of a new mentality that might revise the old scale of human values..."

Participants are encouraged to post writings, poetry and commentary, to collaborate on group texts, games, and projects; to send photos, files and links.

Don't come here to post about Dali prints, surreal art (which can mean almost anything and often reflects a 'mannerism' based on surface appearances), pop and neo-surrealism, or 'just anything weird,' nor to call us dinosaurs, 1930's style Communist Party hacks, Bretonian cultists or (in Situationist terms) recuperators as these are tiresome rhetorics based on misunderstandings. This list is NOT found in the 'art and literature' category of yahoogroups because it would be mistaken to identify surrealism too closely with some of its tools.

This list is private but you're welcome to write if you feel affinity. New members may be placed on 'moderated' posting status for a brief period to discourage flame wars.

Sidebar photo: ruinous St. Louis blog.