How do we navigate a world that often feels beyond understanding? Where do we turn when uncertainty shapes our future and anxiety defines our present? One potential place is art — or more specifically, Surrealism. A movement which essentially grew during a period of strife and conflict between World Wars I and II, Surrealism offers a lens through which we can tap into realms and realities beyond what’s directly perceivable. Although art in its multitude of forms cannot be dated, October 2024 marked the centennial of Surrealism. To honor such a pivotal event in art history, the Rose Art Museum unveiled two new exhibitions that represent the Surrealist movement. 

The Rose’s newest exhibitions, “Surrealism(s) - There & Now” and “Leonora Carrington: Dream Weaver,” both pay homage to the Surrealist movement, as did the opening celebration of these exhibits. Starting at 6 p.m. on Jan. 22, the Rose was filled with Brandeis students, alumnus and art enthusiasts from the Greater Boston area. Guests arrived in quirky and artistic outfits, immersing themselves in the surreal while listening to warm, enchanting music courtesy of Jaiden Van Bork '26 and even taking a quick break to “explore their subconscious” with free tarot card readings from Sammy the SamWitch. However the true magic of the evening lay in the exhibitions themselves. 

When people first entered the Rose, they were met with the works of British-Mexican Surrealist artist Leonara Carrington. According to Chief Curator at the Rose and Brandeis professor Dr. Gannit Ankori (FA), the exhibit features works from throughout Carrington’s life, starting with her teenage years through her escape from Europe and eventual life in Mexico. Historically, Carrington’s work only existed in private collections, making “Dream Weaver” the first exhibit in which, according to Ankori, “viewers are able to trace [Carrington’s] artistic evolution while highlighting the recurring themes and techniques that define her work.” Among the works on display is Carrington’s drawing “Dream Weaver,” the piece from which the collection draws its name. Ankori wrote, “With the delicacy of her pencil line — reminiscent of the single thread held by the weaver — Carrington conjures dreams, creatures, and entire worlds. Her art invites us into these intricately constructed realms, where imagination and reality intertwine, encouraging us to see beyond the ordinary and into the extraordinary.” 

Beyond just serving as a means to celebrate the centennial, “Leonora Carrington: Dream Weaver” is more relevant than ever in a reality defined by uncertainty. Ankori shared, “For students at Brandeis and beyond, navigating the complexities of modern life, Carrington’s creations offer a profound reminder: when reality feels fractured and incomprehensible, art provides the tools to imagine new possibilities and alternative futures.” 

This sentiment of art to transcend the present rings true in the second exhibition as well. “Surrealism(s) - There & Now” located in the Mildred S. Lee Gallery features a myriad of Surrealistic pieces from the Rose’s permanent collection. The gallery is filled with diverse paintings, drawings, collages, photographs and sculptures spanning generations of artists. Each piece, unique in its own right, ultimately connects to the essence of surrealism, honoring unbridled and bold imagination.  

The two new collections at the Rose are a testament to artists’ ability to dream and envision experiences beyond our known realm. Be sure to check them out, as well as “Hugh Hayden: Home Work,” at the Rose Art Museum before they leave on June 1.