The Casa de las Ciencias in Logroño has inaugurated the exhibition ‘science and surrealism: from Freud to Dalí’, which will be open to the public in rooms 3 and 4 until 28 February. This exhibition pays tribute to artists who have been influential in the surrealist movement and showcases works that have inspired contemporary artists, particularly those from the La Rioja region.
During the opening ceremony, Miguel Sainz, the city’s councillor for Promotion, Rosa Fernández, the councillor for Culture, and Elena Garrido, the director of the Casa de las Ciencias, were joined by Eduardo Domínguez, the exhibition's curator and a key contributor to the displayed works, along with several participating artists.
Sainz highlighted that “this exhibition offers an informative journey through one of the most fascinating artistic movements of the 20th century, which emerged a century ago, featuring contemporary works by La Rioja artists, thereby showcasing the collaborative spirit and artistic talent of our region.”
The exhibition includes a selection of surrealist works created by La Rioja artist Eduardo Domínguez Cabrerizo, among others. These pieces are primarily three-dimensional works conceived from found objects that have been transformed and interpreted in unexpected ways. Sainz noted that “this is not intended to be a conventional art exhibition; visitors will find not only works to contemplate but also a space to associate, interpret, and question, as looking differently is a way to discover.”
‘science and surrealism: from Freud to Dalí’ features contributions from 17 other prominent La Rioja artists, who reinterpret some of the great figures of surrealism. In addition to Eduardo Domínguez, the participating artists include Adriana Díaz, Miguel García Armentia, Beatriz Carbonell, Marta Burgui, Juanma Ceballos, Fernández Lozano, David Lapeña, Jesús Ruiz ‘Laguna’, Mapi Gutiérrez, José Antonio Olarte, Juan José Rencoret, José María Salvo, Reynerio Tamayo, Taquio Uzqueda, Xubero, Chelo Veiga, and the illustrator Pizarrín.
The exhibition features 164 different pieces, merging historical surrealism with contemporary creations from La Rioja, demonstrating that these images can still inspire new interpretations. The works are categorised according to various object types, following the tradition of surrealist exhibitions that broke with conventional arrangements.
Surrealism, which emerged in the 1920s in France, was closely linked to literature before finding a privileged space in the visual arts to explore its ideas. André Breton is considered the father of the movement, while Sigmund Freud's psychoanalysis significantly influenced its development. Surrealism seeks a deeper reality by eliminating reason through automatism, dreams, and chance.
The exhibition will also include guided tours, lectures, and workshops aimed at all audiences, allowing participants to learn about surrealism and practically experience some of the techniques and games used by its artists, making the visit both participatory and educational. The first lecture is scheduled for today, 13 November, at 19:30 in the Conference Room, with free entry, titled ‘psychic automatism, dreams, and chance’. Workshops for all audiences will begin on 14 and 15 November. On Sunday, 15 November, at 17:00, the curator will lead a guided tour of the exhibition.
At the end of the exhibition, visitors can find a workshop area to practice some of the most characteristic games of surrealism. The exhibition is open to the public at the Casa de las Ciencias from Tuesday to Friday, 09:30 to 14:00 and 17:00 to 20:00; and on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays from 10:30 to 14:00 and 16:30 to 20:30. Group visits can be arranged by calling 941 245 943.
