Surrealism and Dadaism are two art movements that started in the early 20th century, during a time of great change and turmoil. Even though they both came from the same period, they have different ideas and ways of showing those ideas through symbols.

Surrealism is greatly influenced by the psychologist Freud. It dives deep into our minds, exploring dreams and what lies beyond the normal everyday reality. The symbols in Surrealism often look like dreams. You might see strange images, mixed-up creatures, and surprising combinations that don’t always make sense.

A famous example is Salvador Dalí’s painting called “The Persistence of Memory.” In this artwork, clocks are melting away. This symbolizes how time can feel different in dreams, showing that time isn't always constant.

On the other hand, Dadaism came as a response to the horror of World War I. This movement is known for its rejection of traditional art. Dadaism often looks chaotic and absurd, purposely trying to confuse people and critique the old rules of art and society.

For example, Marcel Duchamp created a piece called “Fountain,” which is simply a urinal turned into art. This challenges our ideas about what can be considered art and makes us think about what really holds value in art.

Key Differences in Symbols:

1. Psychological vs. Nihilistic:

   • Surrealist symbols dig deep into our minds and feelings.
   • Dadaist symbols often twist meaning into something silly, poking fun at serious topics.

2. Imagery vs. Readymades:

   • Surrealism uses colorful and imaginative pictures—like Dalí's dream-like scenes.
   • Dadaism takes regular objects and shows them in a way that makes us think and sometimes get mad.

3. Purpose:

   • Surrealism aims to help us understand more about ourselves and find beauty in strange things.
   • Dadaism rejects old ideas about beauty and uses shock value to make its point.

4. Emotional Engagement:

   • Surrealism draws us in emotionally with its dreamlike quality and deep thoughts.
   • Dadaism can make us feel confused or frustrated, prompting us to question what we think makes sense.

In short, both movements challenge our ideas about art in unique ways. Surrealism explores our minds and dreams through symbolism, while Dadaism embraces chaos, silliness, and a break from traditional values. These differences not only show their distinct artistic beliefs but also reflect the social and political issues of their time.