A special edition of an art magazine, dedicated to the surrealism movement, calls surrealism a rebellion against reason. Others call it a movement in search of freedom. Some of my thoughts on surrealism can be inspected in the Future of Surrealism article, but perhaps it is exactly this multitude of definitions that makes surrealism seem undefinable and, as a consequence, appealing.

A bit like a mystery that can never be solved, since more mystery keeps pouring in while nobody quite manages to drain the puzzle of its meanwhile massive weight. Looking at it that way, surrealism sounds ponderous...

What provides us with more insight? Is it the answers? Or the questions? Where are my artworks in all that?

Some of my paintings are definitely surrealistic. Some are simply surreal. Then there are artworks which, although surreal, seem to transcend surrealism and inspire the audience to seek other terms. That is when phrases such as "visual poetry" or "poetic symbolism" are voiced. Not to mention, I've had a few experiments with pop art, but that's a completely different story. In the end, none of that should matter, should it?

Does it matter to you whether my paintings, or any artworks, are called surrealistic, fantastic, or ambrosial? Does it, in any way, change how you perceive them?

~ Sabina Nore