Exploring the Boundaries of Reality

Surrealist art exhibition challenges perceptions in bold new showcase at LBCG

In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the surrealist movement, the Long Beach Creative Group presents This is Not a Pipe: What is Reality?

The exhibition has two opening receptions, on March 2, and March 3 and continues through March 30. The open call generated more than 170 submissions, from which 51 works by 36 artists were selected by jurors Annie Stromquist and Nirav Solanki. 

Inspired by the famous surrealist painting by René Magritte, artists were invited to create works that explore the intersection between art and language, construct subjective reality, or simply question reality itself. Surrealism officially began in Paris in 1924 with the publication of the Manifesto of Surrealism by the poet and critic André Breton, in which he wrote, “This summer the roses are blue; the wood is of glass. The earth, draped in its verdant cloak, makes as little impression upon me as a ghost.”

Marka Burns, LBCG board president, is thrilled by the response. “This show really inspired the community to engage deeply with the theme, and the selected works will together make an impressive and interesting exhibition.”

Exhibition coordinator Travis Stock-Tucker said. “There’s something for everyone in this show, perhaps because the diversity of the artists reflects the wonderful diversity of our community.”

On March 8, at 7 pm, there will be a free screening of the 2018 documentary film Salvador Dali: In Search of Immortality, directed by David Pujol.

The LBCG is supported, in part, by the Port of Long Beach, the Arts Council for Long Beach, and the ongoing support of the Briggs Family Trust.

During exhibits, the gallery is open to the public Fridays through Sundays, from 1 pm to 4 pm. No appointment is required. 

Time: 1 to 4 p.m., March 2, 3 

Cost: Free

Details: www.LongBeachCreativeGroup.com 

Venue: Long Beach Creative Group, 2221 East Broadway, Long Beach