Profession: Writer and Surrealist
Biography: André Breton was first associated with the International Dada movement before founding the Surrealist movement in Paris in 1924. In the same year he published his "Surrealist Manifesto" and the technique of automatic writing where any distinction between dream and reality was removed.
Breton and the Surrealists became more political during the 1930s, Breton and other members joined the Communist Party, though they were expelled in 1935.
Breton travelled to Mexico on a cultural commission to Mexico in 1938, where he met Leon Trotsky, Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo, championing Kahlo's works.
Breton escaped France during the Vichy government of WWII, moving to the United States where he continued to promote Surrealist ideals and artists.
Born: February 18, 1896
Birthplace: Tinchebray, Normandy, France
Generation: Lost Generation
Star Sign: Aquarius
Died: September 28, 1966 (aged 70)
Historical Events
- 1919-03-19 Literary Magazine "Littérature", edited by André Breton, Philippe Soupault, and Louis Aragon publishes its first issue
- 1924-10-15 André Breton publishes his "Surrealist Manifesto" with Éditions du Sagittaire in Paris
- 1924-12-01 "La Révolution surréaliste" publishes its first issue in Paris, edited by André Breton
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