The artistic style known as “Existential Surrealism” was developed by artist and international curator Daniel Winn.
Philosophically, the style involves contrasts and counterpoints and examines the physical and spiritual dichotomy of existence. It juxtaposes the idea of a universal creative divinity against the concept of free will and self-determination by recognizing divinity as the genesis of autonomy and acknowledging our responsibility for universally constructive action.
Visually, Existential Surrealism uses a surrealistic style and subject matter to encourage the viewer to examine the nature of existence. The frequent use of partially translucent figures is a metaphor for the physical/spiritual duality which is at the core of the style. Fields of abstract and surreal backgrounds depict the contrasts which define existence. Nonrepresentational elements and depictions of falling and flowing water represent a non-denominational, secular view of universal divinity.
Winn’s own life experience as a child refugee of civil war airlifted to a strange new home and his exceptional success integrating into its distinctly different and often intolerant culture while maintaining a sense of his ancestral heritage are important influences in the development of the style.