I’ve been thinking a lot about David Lynch lately, since his passing. It’s got me reflecting on what his work meant to me and how I first encountered him as a young teen. David Lynch’s work and surrealism have profoundly influenced my understanding of art and life. My journey began in childhood, sparked by a documentary on midnight movies that introduced me to cult classics like The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Pink Flamingos, and Eraserhead. All of which had profound effects on me in various ways. Watching Eraserhead for the first time was a bewildering and uncomfortable experience. I didn’t fully understand it; I just wanted to like it because it seemed cool. Anyone who has watched it can probably attest that it’s not exactly an enjoyable experience. Over time, that confusion transformed into a deep appreciation for the ambiguity and complexity that this work, and surrealist works more broadly, embrace.

Surrealism, as a genre, challenges the straightforward, black-and-white narratives prevalent in modern media. It initially felt uncomfortable because it lacked the clear resolution I was accustomed to, but eventually, I found a meditative joy in this ambiguity. It allowed me to appreciate multiple meanings and see the world in a different light.

I believe surrealist work can act as a beneficial “infohazard” for society. When people come across it, it can burrow into your brain against your will and profoundly impact how you see the world, encouraging a broader, more nuanced understanding.

The value of surrealism lies in its ability to challenge conventional thinking, offering a different lens through which to view the world. It can help us understand not just art but also the complexities of people, societal structures, politics, and even often considered black-and-white fields like science. It’s a challenging but ultimately rewarding experience, enriching both individual and collective consciousness. It’s not necessarily the only aspect of the medium or even what Lynch intended with his work, but it’s what I personally gained from it.