Abstract

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Abstract indicates a departure from reality as depicted in philosophy, linguistics, mathematics, computer science, and the arts which can all be 'abstract' in nature. This departure from accurate representation can be slight, partial, or total. Artwork which takes liberties, altering for instance color and form in ways that are conspicuous can be said to be partially abstract. Total abstraction bears no trace of any reference to anything recognizable.

Surrealist works feature the element of surprise, unexpected juxtapositions, and non sequitur; however many Surrealist artists and writers regard their work as an expression of the philosophical movement first and foremost with the works being an artifact. Surrealism developed out of the Dada activities during World War I and the most important center of the movement was Paris. From the 1920s onward, the movement spread around the globe, eventually affecting the visual arts, literature, film, and music of many countries and languages, as well as political thought and practice, philosophy, and social theory.