Street Dreams: The Art of Pop Surrealism

Following its first run in February 2024, Street Dreams returns for a second exhibition highlighting Pop Surrealist artists to watch out for.

By Art+ Magazine Team
December 01, 2025

Lowbrow, also known as pop surrealism, stands out as a modern art movement that emerged in the latter part of the 20th century, challenging established artistic norms and drawing inspiration from a diverse array of influences, including popular culture, comics, graffiti, and surrealism. This movement defies traditional expectations and revels in the unconventional, often blurring the boundaries between high and low art.

Key characteristics of lowbrow art: rebellious and subversive nature. Artists frequently infuse their works with dark humor, satire, or taboo themes, challenging societal norms and expectations. This rebellious spirit has been integral to the movement’s popularity and endurance.

Pop surrealism is marked by its fantastical and dreamlike imagery. Artists often create surreal, otherworldly scenes featuring strange creatures, distorted figures, and vibrant colors. This departure from reality allows for a profound exploration of the subconscious and provides artists with a platform to convey their inner thoughts and emotions.

Art+ first hosted Street Dreams: The Art of Pop Surrealism on February 1–8, 2024 at Art Lounge Manila, The Podium, Ortigas Center in Mandaluyong City. This year’s presentation marks the second installment of the exhibition, preceding the release of Art+’s upcoming coffee table book on Pop Surrealist artists in the Philippines.

Seeking to provide a platform for artists to showcase their unconventional works and to foster a sense of community among those who appreciate the genre, Art+ is holding another exhibition from December 3–14, 2025 at 3 FL Mezzanine, Opus Mall, open daily from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm. This edition will not feature an Artist Reception.

Among the 48 participating artists are BLIC, Denmark Maribojoc, Doktor Karayom, Farley del Rosario, Froilan Calayag, Garapata, Ian Inoy, Ireland Jill, Jay Francisco, Jesse Camacho, Jolo Senense, Kim Borja, Marilou Solano, Mimaaaaaaaaw, Pollyanna, Qwark, seeweirdo, Tita Keks, and many more.

All the participating artists and their works will be featured in an upcoming coffee table book on Pop Surrealist artists in the Philippines, to be published by Art+ in 2026. 

Catch the exhibition this December at Opus Mall and see visually compelling and thought-provoking works that challenge conventional artistic norms. 

Street Dreams: The Art of Pop Surrealism runs from December 3–14, 2025, at 3 FL Mezzanine, Opus Mall, open daily from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm. For inquiries, please email [email protected] or contact +63 927 914 5015.