André Masson (1896–1987) was a pivotal figure in 20th-century art, yet for decades he remained somewhat in the shadow of more spotlight-hungry Surrealists like Salvador Dalí or Max Ernst. Today, his work is experiencing a remarkable resurgence. Scholars, curators, and collectors are re-examining his contributions as a bridge between European Surrealism and American Abstract Expressionism, his pioneering use of automatic techniques, and his unflinching engagement with themes of trauma, violence, desire, and metamorphosis.
 

This renewed interest coincides with the centennial celebrations of Surrealism and ongoing exhibitions that showcase Masson's innovative output—from his early automatic drawings to his sand paintings, "forest" series, and politically charged responses to global conflicts.
 

Masson's journey began in the aftermath of World War I, where he was severely wounded, an experience that profoundly shaped his art. He embraced André Breton's call for automatic drawing in the 1920s, creating visceral, subconscious-driven works that bypassed rational control.