Is My Art Surreal?

‘The Persistence of Memory’ by Salvador Dali’s, 1931.

Recently I've heard a couple of people refer to my art as "surreal". Because I think paintings like the one above by Salvador Dalí when I hear "surreal" and I think of my art as "realism" these comments confuse me. So I decided to look up exactly what is "surreal" art to decide for myself.

According to Wikipedia:

Surrealism is an art and cultural movement that developed in Europe in the aftermath of World War I in which artists aimed to allow the unconscious mind to express itself, often resulting in the depiction of illogical or dreamlike scenes and ideas.[1] Its intention was, according to leader André Breton, to "resolve the previously contradictory conditions of dream and reality into an absolute reality, a super-reality", or surreality.[2][3][4] It produced works of painting, writing, photography, theatre, filmmaking, music, comedy and other media as well.

So far I don't think my paintings fit.

An AI summary of the surrealism movement says it includes:

• Unconscious Exploration:

Surrealism delves into the realm of dreams, the subconscious, and the irrational. 

• Juxtaposition:

  It's characterized by combining ordinary objects or images in unexpected and illogical ways, creating a sense of strangeness or wonder. 
  

• Automatic Creation:

  Some surrealists used techniques like "automatic drawing" or "automatic writing," where the artist or writer creates without conscious control, allowing the subconscious to take over. 
  

• Dreamlike Imagery:

  Surrealist art often features dreamlike scenes and imagery, often with a sense of mystery or unease. 
  

• Challenge to Reality:

  Surrealism often questions and challenges the boundaries between reality and imagination, or what is considered "normal". 

Nope, I still don't think it fits.

Although maybe some people see the objects I put together in my still life paintings as odd or unexpected creating a sense of strangeness or wonder. Take this one for example:

"Hail the Egg" by Lucy Finch, pastel on paper

Sometimes even I wonder at what I'm doing.

But my work is certainly not dreamlike or an expression of the subconscious. After all, what is more normal that utensils and an egg?

According to the Tate Musuem, "Surrealism aims to revolutionise human experience. It balances a rational vision of life with one that asserts the power of the unconscious and dreams. The movement’s artists find magic and strange beauty in the unexpected and the uncanny, the disregarded and the unconventional. At the core of their work is the willingness to challenge imposed values and norms, and a search for freedom."

Hm...well if someone sees my artwork as magical or strangely beautiful and/or unexpected and if it challenges imposed values and norms like the systemic patriarchy while searching for freedom, well then dear reader, I'm ALL IN!

Surrealism here I come!