The first monograph devoted to British Surrealist Emmy Bridgwater Surrealism of Angst explores the extraordinary work of Emmy Bridgwater (19061999), the British Surrealist artist who has long been unjustly overlooked. Born in Birmingham, Bridgwater became associated with the Birmingham Surrealists in 1937 and joined the London Surrealist Group three years later. Her haunting imagerysinister birds, savage cats, scenes of mutilation and violationforms a visual language of disquiet and emotional intensity. This book reclaims Bridgwaters place in the Surrealist canon, revealing a profound and often unsettling vision that is as innovative as it is affecting. In this groundbreaking study, Silvano Levy draws on extensive research to reframe Bridgwaters role within Surrealism. Through detailed analysis of her visual and poetic work, he uncovers a depth of thought and feeling that challenges conventional narratives of Surrealism. Unflinching in its exploration of psychic trauma and inner unrest, Bridgwaters art emerges here as both visionary and unsettling. This publication not only reclaims a compelling artist from obscurity but also expands the scope of current scholarship on women in modern art.
Exhibition Schedule:
Midlands Art Centre 24 Oct 2026 10 Jan 2027
Published by Paul Holberton Publishing/Distributed by Yale University Press
