Rebels with Shackles: The Role and Representation of Claude Cahun in Surrealism Movement

Abstract

The significant change of women role in surrealism movement has been noticed by many researchers. They argue that the female role is no longer considered as femme-enfant, muse or spouses and lovers (bodies of desires, and as irrational and inferior creatures), their roles have instead become multi-faceted. Claude Cahun displays the complex and multiple roles of a woman as a surreal artist. She has multiple identities (a transgender, hyper-femininity, an androgyne and a lesbian). Meanwhile, her role is not confined by gender contexts, but she goes further, and she realizes and challenges the shackles of the broader social contexts, like the oppression of minority groups, homophobia and political upheaval. By focusing on Cahun, this essay has analyzed three questions, including what restrictions these male counterparts placed on women in the surrealist group, how Cahun’s artwork rebels against the male-dominated surrealist movement, and how her work challenges broader social conventions on the role and representation of women. The essay thus contributes to understanding the significant value of the role and representation of women in surrealism. Meanwhile, they are of great significance in understanding the value and contribution of women to society, as the subjective and individual equal to men.