Magritte’s family, friends, conspirators and collaborators

Delve into the history of artist René Magritte and discover his philosophy, influences and relationships in this lecture produced in association with the exhibition Magritte at the Art Gallery of New South Wales.

From Magritte’s beginnings in Brussels and his first surrealist paintings to his iconic images of apples, hats and pipes, gain an in-depth understanding of Magritte as a painter. The role of the painter, as he saw it, was to create pictures of ideas – best portrayed by images of things we have already seen but whose secrets we have never imagined.

Magritte is widely regarded as a key figure of surrealism, a movement that has strong associations with the city of Paris. He lived in Paris from 1927 to 1930 and connected with André Breton and the Paris-based surrealists, but their relationship was often turbulent. The city of Brussels and the close and supportive friendships Magritte maintained with artists, writers and thinkers in Belgium were at the centre of his practice for nearly 40 years. In this lecture assistant curator Tai Spruyt will explore Magritte’s relationships, both professional and personal, and the circle of friends who became inextricably intertwined in his art and life.