Histoire de ne pas rire. Surrealism in Belgium

Surrealism in Belgium. Histoire de ne pas rire is a richly illustrated scholarly work with contributions from authors specialising in various fields (fine arts, history, literature, and film). Surrealist activity in Belgium was active during the same period as the French surrealist movement but developed a distinct identity. It developed over more than sixty years. Three successive generations worked towards bringing about a change in the world through language and representation, while also engaging with the aesthetic core issues of their time.
This book was created as part of the centenary of surrealism (1924–2024) and the eponymous exhibition at Bozar. It highlights the visual, literary, and poetic activity of this group of artists, including Paul Nougé, Marcel Mariën, Jane Graverol, Tom Gutt, and Rachel Baes. These artists moved within circles around key figures of greater international renown, such as René Magritte, Salvador Dalí, Yves Tanguy, Paul Delvaux, and Giorgio de Chirico, yet they were equally essential to the world of surrealism due to the originality and specific characteristics of their work.

Edited by Xavier Canonne.
With texts by Patricia Allmer, Paul Aron, Xavier Canonne, Kurt De Boodt, Virginie Devillez, Philippe Dewolf, Geneviève Michel, An Paenhuysen, Rik Sauwen, and Raoul Vaneigem.

Published by Bozar Books & Mercatorfonds, 2024
Two separate versions in Dutch and French
Hardcover
288 pages
28.5 x 22 cm
Retail price: € 49 
Available at the Bozar Bookshop by Walther König or distributed by www.mercatorfonds.be