Surrealism is a movement in art and literature that emerged in the early 20th century, largely as a reaction to the horrors of World War I. The movement was characterized by a focus on the irrational and the unconscious, and sought to liberate the creative potential of the human mind. Surrealist works often feature strange, dreamlike imagery, and are known for their use of unexpected juxtapositions and absurd or fantastical elements. Today, surrealism remains a popular and influential artistic movement, and has had a profound impact on the development of modern art and literature.