Surrealism in the Shadow of the French–Algerian War

Abstract The French–Algerian War (1954–1962) was a key event in post- WWII French history. It coincided with a renewal of the French surrealist movement, with the publication of a new review, Le Surréalisme, même (1956–1960), and a major group exhibition in 1959, Exposition intéRnatiOnale du Surréalisme ( EROS ). What effect did the French–Algerian War have on surrealism? The surrealists not only supported Algerian independence, but they were also involved in the intellectual opposition to the war, participating in numerous initiatives supporting the Algerian cause. Yet, despite this evidence, the picture that emerges is curiously fragmented, suggesting in retrospect that the war was more a shadowy presence than an overriding concern during this period.