Surrealist Anti-Fascism: Lessons for Today

Quick Summary

The article examines the historical and political significance of the surrealist movement's anti-fascist stance, drawing parallels to contemporary events. It opens with a description of a large-scale protest in Washington D.C. on October 18, 2023, where demonstrators gathered under a banner reading, "Los judíos dicen: alto el fuego ya." This event serves as a starting point for discussing responses to conflict.

The focus then shifts to the historical roots of surrealism, which developed in response to the atrocities of the First World War. The movement is characterized by its active opposition to the rise of fascism, using art and political manifestos to confront the horrors of their era. The central thesis is that the surrealists' methods of uniting forces and using creative expression as a form of resistance provide a valuable framework for addressing the current advance of ultraderechas (far-right movements) and ongoing conflicts like the one in Gaza.

A Moment of Hope in Washington

On October 18, 2023, a significant gathering took place in Washington D.C. The event was described as "la mayor protesta judía de la historia en solidaridad con los palestinos," or the largest Jewish protest in history in solidarity with Palestinians. Thousands of people assembled on the National Mall, creating a powerful visual of unity and shared purpose.

Among the crowd, a prominent banner captured the essence of the demonstration's message. It stated clearly: "Los judíos dicen: alto el fuego ya" (Jews say: ceasefire now). This moment was presented as a source of something "parecido a la esperanza"—something akin to hope—in the midst of a devastating campaign of annihilation in Gaza that had begun 11 days prior. The protest highlighted a diverse coalition calling for an immediate end to the violence.

The Surrealist Response to War

The surrealist movement was born from the ashes of the First World War. Its artists and thinkers were deeply affected by the unprecedented scale of industrial warfare and the societal collapse it represented. In response, they developed a unique artistic language to express the horrors they had witnessed, moving beyond traditional representation to explore the subconscious and the irrational.

From their "interminables manifiestos" and "acalorados debates," a clear political identity emerged. The surrealists did not confine themselves to the studio; they actively engaged in the political struggles of their time. Their work was a direct confrontation with the fascism that was rising across Europe, using their creative output as a weapon against totalitarianism and war.

Lessons for Confronting the Ultraderecha

The central question posed by the text is how to answer the advance of the ultraderechas (far-right movements). The surrealist example provides a compelling answer. Their approach was not limited to a single tactic but involved a combination of artistic innovation and strategic political organizing. They understood that fighting fascism required both cultural and practical resistance.

A key element of their success was their "empeño en unir fuerzas"—their determination to unite forces. The surrealists sought to build broad coalitions, recognizing that a fragmented opposition would be ineffective. This strategy of collaboration and solidarity is presented as a crucial lesson for today's activists and political movements facing similar threats from the far right.

The legacy of the surrealists demonstrates that art can be a powerful tool for political mobilization. By reflecting the horrors of war and the absurdity of fascist ideology, they were able to reach a wide audience and galvanize support. Their history serves as a reminder that creative and intellectual work is an essential component of the fight for a more just and peaceful world.

Contemporary Relevance

The historical parallels drawn in the article suggest that the challenges faced by the surrealists are not confined to the past. The mention of the Gaza genocide and the massive protest in Washington D.C. connects the historical struggle against fascism to contemporary global conflicts. The call for a ceasefire and the mobilization of diverse communities echo the coalition-building efforts of the past.

Ultimately, the article argues that the surrealist model of antifascism remains highly relevant. Their ability to channel the trauma of war into a powerful artistic and political movement offers a blueprint for contemporary resistance. By learning from their history of uniting forces and confronting tyranny directly, new generations can find effective ways to answer the challenges posed by modern ultraderecha movements and work towards a future free from war and oppression.