On view 18 June – 1 September 2024 in the Main and East Galleries and the Lobby.
The THEME
“I believe in the future resolution of these two states, dream and reality, which are seemingly so contradictory, into a kind of absolute reality, a surreality, if one may so speak.”
—André Breton
One hundred years ago this coming October, two competing Surrealist manifestos were published within two weeks of one another: the first by Yvon Goll and the second by André Breton. The two groups these writers led and the terms and imperatives they sought to define and assert collectively represent the beginning of the Surrealist art movement. In celebration of this anniversary and the lasting impact of Surrealism, we asked that participating artists incorporate the theme of "The Omnipotence of Dreams: A Century of Surrealism" in their submissions--work that engages with the Surrealist art movement, its history and participants, the exploration of dreams and the unconscious mind, as well as automatism and certain Surrealist games.
—André Breton
One hundred years ago this coming October, two competing Surrealist manifestos were published within two weeks of one another: the first by Yvon Goll and the second by André Breton. The two groups these writers led and the terms and imperatives they sought to define and assert collectively represent the beginning of the Surrealist art movement. In celebration of this anniversary and the lasting impact of Surrealism, we asked that participating artists incorporate the theme of "The Omnipotence of Dreams: A Century of Surrealism" in their submissions--work that engages with the Surrealist art movement, its history and participants, the exploration of dreams and the unconscious mind, as well as automatism and certain Surrealist games.
Awards
Last year, the museum devised a group of new awards to honor the memory of longtime exhibitors who had passed away before the exhibit. All of these individuals were accomplished artists, so each award endeavors to remember a particular aspect of each honoree: James VerDoorn was the very first member of the Rourke Gallery staff in 1961; Gretchen Kottke founded and operated her own gallery; Milton Yergens had a uniquely humorous lens through which he observed the world; and Joel Hegerle was warm and encouraging of fellow artists, regardless of what stage they may be at in their careers.
This year, we have introduced a new award to honor longtime arts patron and Rourke supporter Meredith Bloomquist, who recently celebrated her 100th birthday.
Below are the winners who have been determined so far.
• Tayla Sessing, "Handmade"; Winner of the Meredith Bloomquist Best in Theme Award, selected by Danielle Gravon.
• John B. Weaver, "Jump"; Winner of the James VerDoorn Staff's Choice Award, selected by the museum's staff.
• Chris Orth, "Burnt Toast"; Winner of the Gretchen Kottke Gallerist's Choice Award, selected by the Heather Friedli and Dave Thune.
• Chris Orth, "Burnt Toast"; Winner of the Milton Yergens Wit and Whimsey in Art Award, selected by the Molly Yergens.
• Micah Haji-Sheikh, "Grasp"; Winner of the Joel Hegerle People's Choice Award selected by museum visitors.
This year, we have introduced a new award to honor longtime arts patron and Rourke supporter Meredith Bloomquist, who recently celebrated her 100th birthday.
Below are the winners who have been determined so far.
• Tayla Sessing, "Handmade"; Winner of the Meredith Bloomquist Best in Theme Award, selected by Danielle Gravon.
• John B. Weaver, "Jump"; Winner of the James VerDoorn Staff's Choice Award, selected by the museum's staff.
• Chris Orth, "Burnt Toast"; Winner of the Gretchen Kottke Gallerist's Choice Award, selected by the Heather Friedli and Dave Thune.
• Chris Orth, "Burnt Toast"; Winner of the Milton Yergens Wit and Whimsey in Art Award, selected by the Molly Yergens.
• Micah Haji-Sheikh, "Grasp"; Winner of the Joel Hegerle People's Choice Award selected by museum visitors.