Art logo

The Magic of Surrealism in Kendall Jenner's New Ad

Exploring the Strange and Fascinating World of Surrealist Art in Modern Advertising

By Sienna BlackwoodPublished 26 days ago Updated 25 days ago 3 min read
#CiaoKendall – Kendall Jenner x RESERVED – AW19 campaign

Imagine watching a commercial that feels like a dream, where everything looks strange but fascinating. That's what happens in Kendall Jenner's new ad for a brand called Reserved. This ad uses a special style of art called surrealism, which makes it look very different from normal ads.

What is Surrealism?

Surrealism is a type of art that mixes real things with dream-like images to create a magical and odd world. It started in the early 1920s as a cultural movement in Europe. Artists like Salvador Dalí and René Magritte became famous for their surreal paintings, which often showed bizarre and fantastical scenes that challenged reality. In surrealism, you might see things like flying clocks, melting objects, or people doing impossible things. It’s like stepping into a dream where anything can happen.

Historical Uses of Surrealism in Advertising

Surrealism has been used in advertising for many years. One of the earliest examples is an ad for Perrier. You can watch it here:

In the 1980s, surrealism became even more popular in advertising. For example, an ad for Absolut Vodka featured a melting vodka bottle, inspired by Salvador Dalí’s famous painting “The Persistence of Memory.” This use of surrealism made the ad stand out and helped create a strong, lasting image for the brand.

Surrealism in Kendall Jenner's Ad

In the new Reserved ad, Kendall Jenner is dancing in a surreal world. Her movements are slow and strange, and the background is filled with bright, unusual colors. The whole scene feels like it’s from another planet. This surreal style makes the ad very eye-catching because it’s not what you usually see on TV or online.

The ad's use of surrealism creates a dream-like atmosphere that draws viewers in. Kendall's odd, almost hypnotic dance moves, combined with the vibrant and fantastical setting, make the viewer feel like they are watching a scene from a strange, beautiful dream. This makes the ad memorable and intriguing, encouraging viewers to think about it long after they've seen it.

Why Use Surrealism in Ads?

You might wonder why a commercial would use surrealism. The reason is that surrealism grabs your attention. With so many ads everywhere, companies need to do something special to make you look. When an ad is surreal and strange, it makes you curious. You want to keep watching to see what happens next, and you remember it long after it's over.

Surrealism in advertising is not a new concept. In the 1950s and 1960s, advertisers started using surreal elements to create memorable and impactful ads. For example, one famous ad from that era featured a man with a fish head, promoting a brand of shoes. This surreal image was so unusual that it stuck in people's minds and made them remember the brand. By using surrealism, advertisers create a sense of wonder and curiosity that makes their products stand out.

The Dancing in the Ad

One of the strangest parts of the ad is Kendall Jenner’s dancing. It’s not like regular dancing you might see at a party. Instead, it’s more like a performance from a dream, with her arms and legs moving in funny ways. This kind of dancing makes the ad feel even more surreal and magical. The movements are almost hypnotic, drawing you in and making you want to keep watching.

The Lure of Surrealism

Even though the ad is strange, it pulls you in. The weirdness makes it exciting and different, and that’s exactly what the creators wanted. By using surrealism, the ad stands out from all the others. It stays in your mind and makes you think about the brand, which is exactly what they hoped for. Surrealism creates a memorable experience that sticks with you, which is the ultimate goal of any advertisement.

The Future of Surrealism in Advertising

As technology advances, we can expect to see even more surrealism in advertising. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) offer new ways to create dream-like experiences that blend the real and the imaginary. Brands are likely to continue using surrealism to capture our attention and engage our imaginations in creative and unexpected ways.

Kendall Jenner's new ad for Reserved is a great example of how surrealism can make commercials more interesting. By using bright colors, unusual dancing, and a dream-like style, the ad captures our attention and makes us curious. This technique has been used for decades to create memorable and impactful advertisements. So next time you see a surreal commercial, remember, it’s all about showing the magic of our imaginations and keeping you interested!

GeneralMixed MediaHistoryContemporary Art

About the Creator

Sienna Blackwood

Creating narratives to entertain and enchant you

Enjoyed the story?
Support the Creator.

Subscribe for free to receive all their stories in your feed. You could also pledge your support or give them a one-off tip, letting them know you appreciate their work.

Subscribe For FreePledge Your Support

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

    Sienna BlackwoodWritten by Sienna Blackwood

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2024 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.