"One of the great attractions of surrealism was its internationalism," Matthew Gale - Exhibition Curator imparted on May 22, 2026 as he walked media and Frist docents through the impressive collection. Mr. Gale shared that surrealists were inspired by Sigmund Freud (1856-1939) who proposed the existence of the subconscious mind and its effect on behavior. The artists were fascinated by dreams, mysteries, nature, passion and unexpected aspects of everyday life. Surrealists were also interested in personal freedom. Many opposed the totalitarian governments that were on the rise in Europe and protested through various mediums such as films, literature, paintings, photography and sculptures.

International Surrealism from Tate: Fifty Years of Dreams comes a century after the first surrealism exhibition took place in Paris in November of 1925. At the Frist, visitors will see familiar artists such as Jean Arp, Salvador Dalí, Max Ernst, René Magritte, Joan Miró, Yves Tanguy, and Dorothea Tanning along with others whose work deserves to be better known such as Kati Horna, Malangatana Ngwenya, Osamu Shiihara and Lionel Wendt.

Two of our favorites by Rene Magritte and Giorgio de Chirico.

Matthew elaborated on the concept of surrealism being a way of life. It was a reaction to the times and an exploration of automatism, desire, mysterious energies of the natural world and the politics of freedom. Surrealists also utilized different techniques and tools to present unique perspectives on everyday things. It was and is a visual art form that inspires creative conversations. We found some pieces to be nightmarish depictions of war while other works were whimsical but all had something deep to convey.

Anila Quayyum Agha also had deep ideas to impart as she walked us through Interwoven. Anila is renowned for immersive installations that combine color, geometry, pattern, and, above all, light to elicit wonder and a sense of endless possibility. The exhibition at the Frist explores the past two decades of her artistry. Agha herself was at the Museum to walk us through this mid-career retrospective.

She revealed that poverty is reflected in her early pieces as they were limited by lack of materials and small spaces. As she gained more recognition her visions grew in scale. A number of her larger-than-life works include A Flood of Tears, a sculpture made of hundreds of upholstery needles suspended by glistening glass-beaded strands, and All the Flowers Are for Me (Red), one of Agha's signature laser-cut steel light boxes that bathe viewers in light and shadow. Both of these immersive pieces address current issues such as exclusion, global warming, workers' rights and wars. Perhaps she could be considered a modern-day surrealist?

The Frist's Trinita Kennedy and acclaimed artist Anila Quayyum Agha.

Born in Lahore, Pakistan, in 1965, Agha moved to the United States in 1999 and now resides in Indianapolis, Indiana. Her experiences as a woman of color and an immigrant dealing with discrimination, invisibility and oppression informs her art that melds materials, patterns, printmaking techniques, textiles and light in pieces that are beautiful yet thought provoking. Some of her other influences include the California Light and Space Movement, Indo-Islamic architecture, poetry and the patterns and techniques of traditional crafts.

The Surrealists and Anila Quayyum Agha's collections will be at the Frist Art Museum through August 30, 2026. Meanwhile, the Frist continues celebrating twenty-five years of presenting approximately twelve to fifteen exhibitions each year representing various cultures ranging from the art of Tennessee to the The Impressionist Revolution: Monet to Matisse that ran through May 31st, 2026 along with the aforementioned exhibits that will be on display through most of the summer. Also note that the Frist Art Museum provides a variety of exhibition-related programs and resources for educators and their students.

While at the Museum check out Cafe Cheeserie who serves bistro-inspired foods such as fresh salads, handcrafted baguette sandwiches and scratch-made soups. While parents will appreciate their children's menu that is thoughtfully curated with local, organic and kid-friendly ingredients. Cafe Cheeserie also hosts live music so check out the Frist's calendar for shows and other events such as their Architecture Tours.

Come see works by Salvador Dali and Jackson Pollock.

Related Links: For more information on the FRIST ART MUSEUM and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links - Frist Art Museum | New Exhibit Makes a Great First Impression on Opening Day at the Frist Art Museum in Nashville