Surrealism is an artistic and literary movement that emerged in the early 20th century, characterized by its exploration of the unconscious mind and dream-like imagery. Artists like Salvador Dalí and René Magritte sought to challenge the conventional perception of reality, creating works that often juxtaposed unexpected elements to provoke thought and emotion. The movement was heavily influenced by the theories of Sigmund Freud, particularly his ideas about dreams and the subconscious. Surrealism aimed to liberate the imagination, allowing artists and writers to express their innermost thoughts and feelings without the constraints of rationality or logic.