Surrealist Study Group (SSG) hosted by dama in the PRS Library

Surrealist Study Group (SSG) hosted by dama in the PRS Library

Surrealist Study Group (SSG) is a critical inquiry into the works of women artists and writers associated with Surrealism. The group will focus on how the poetics and politics of female works of surrealism in the past intersect with and contribute to contemporary debates on gender, sexuality, spirituality, subjectivity, otherness, anthropocentrism, and the environment. For each gathering of study we will select a short story, a chapter, an artwork or a journal entry to be discussed.

Surrealism is a movement that walks the margins, whether these margins belong to society, culture, or gender. Male surrealist authors have often idealized the figure of woman as inspiration and creator with privileged access to the unconscious. Seen as muses by these authors, women are sacralized and reified, while simultaneously regarded as a currency of exchange and seduction. Surrealist art began as a reflection on societal norms, borne out of a desire to break them. However, many of the themes presented in the art of early female surrealists - such as the socially alienating experience of femininity - continue to remain relevant for women today. In a sense, their art stands as a testament to just how little has changed.

We will focus on works by women such as Claude Cahun, Leonora Carrington, Anaïs Nin, Maya Deren, Maria Magdalena Campos-Pons, Suzanne Cesaire, Agnes Denes, Leonor Fini, Bona de Mandiargues, Joyce Mansour, Dorothea Tanning, Betye Saar, Clarice Lispector, Dorothea Tanning, Gertrude Abercrombie, Remedios Varo and others. Their exceptional thought, art, and writing will lead us to central questions regarding gender, art and literature in the 21st century.

This is an in-person meet up only.

Suggested donation: $10

Ticket limit: 40

Please email [email protected] or phone 323-663-2167 with any questions.

ACCESSIBILITY

PRS wants all guests to be able to enjoy our events safely and comfortably. If you require any accessibility accommodation, please reach out to [email protected] before showtime and we will be happy to assist you. 

REFUND POLICIES

All sales are final. There are no refunds or exchanges for PRS events, except in the event of a medical emergency, including but not limited to a positive COVID-19 test.

In the event that PRS is forced to cancel an event entirely, tickets will be refunded or vouchers offered for a rescheduled event.

PARKING

Parking is available in both front lot (entry from Los Feliz Blvd. when heading east) and back lot (entry from first alley way, off Griffith Park Blvd. from intersection with Los Feliz Blvd.), as well as ample street parking on Griffith Park Blvd.

PRS EVENT POLICIES

* We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone.

* Events are subject to change without notice, including guest speakers and/or performers.

* We encourage you to arrive at least 30 min. before the scheduled event start time to find parking, enjoy the Bookstore and take your seats.

* Please turn off all mobile devices before the show. Talking and texting are not allowed during the events.

* No filming, audio recording or mobile phone recording of events, screenings, concerts or other programs by audience members is allowed without permission.

* There is no smoking permitted on PRS grounds.

* We strongly encourage guests to wear masks to PRS events to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

* PRS allows Service Animals into the facility under ADA and state guidelines. For further details please visit www.ADA.gov. No animals permitted whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support, under ADA guidelines and CA Health Code.

* Please do not bring outside food or drink into PRS events.

* Weapons are strictly prohibited at PRS events.

Host or Publisher The Philosophical Research Society