Abstract

Surrealists’ paintings are covered in puzzle-like images informed by a juxtaposition of fantasy and reality. They sought to combine dream and reality to unleash the untold hidden in their subconscious through creation of novel effects. The work of art chosen for review in this study is Magritte's The Human Condition (La condition humaine) painting. René Magritte has created two paintings with this same title‌,‌ the image of both of which are included in the article. The one addressed in this study is the painting depicting a room and the landscape visible through a window. In the first glance‌,‌ we see a landscape outside the window in the room. Through further examination‌,‌ however‌,‌ we realize that a part of the landscape is in fact a painting on canvas on a tripod. Which makes one wonder‌,‌ what was Magritte's purpose in creating this painting? Was he trying to create a puzzle? Was he aiming to mock the mind and perception of the spectator? Or is this something beyond a mind game? Therefore‌,‌ this study attempted to critically examine and conduct a phenomenological assessment of this painting. Through a deeper analysis and epoché on this painting‌,‌ it can be seen that it is more of a picture in picture puzzle than a depiction. Similar to other prominent artists‌,‌ René Magritte tried to create a universe to point us in the direction of a hidden truth behind the images; a truth that is understandable in the life of today's human beings.