Curator Kathryn Johnson explains the story behind surrealism and its impact on design in this video Dezeen produced for the Design Museum about its latest exhibition.
Titled Objects of Desire: Surrealism and Design 1924 - Today, the exhibition features almost 350 surrealist objects spanning fashion, furniture and film.
The exhibition, which was curated by Johnson, explores the conception of the surrealist movement in the 1920s and the impact it has had on the design world ever since.
The exhibition features a number of pieces by Dalí including the Lobster Telephone
Another section of the exhibition examines surrealism and the body in relation to the human form, sexuality and desire.
Included in this section are Sarah Lucas' Cigarette Tits, in which the language of tabloids is used to expose stereotypes of female sexuality, and Najla el Zein's Hay, which highlights the sensory pleasures provided by everyday materials. Photographs, vintage magazine covers and fashion items are on display to show the impact of surrealism on the fashion industry starting from the 1930s.
The exhibition features fashion and objects exploring the human form, sexuality and desire
According to Johnson, "surrealism attracted more women than any other movement since romanticism." As a result, she wanted to ensure there was a wide representation of female artists and designers in the exhibition.
"I think that was partly because of concerns about the body, about sexuality, and how the do...