The 18th edition of Surreal Salon, an annual international exhibition celebrating Pop-surrealism and Lowbrow art, will open at Baton Rouge Gallery – center for contemporary art (BRG) from January 2 to 25, 2026. Curated by special guest juror Swoon (Caledonia Curry), the multimedia show features over 60 artists from the U.S. and abroad, selected from nearly 800 submissions through a blind jurying process. The exhibition is free and presented in partnership with Louisiana State University’s School of Art, with additional events including a talk by Swoon on January 26 and a costume soiree on January 24.
This edition matters because it continues a two-decade tradition of spotlighting the Pop-surrealist/Lowbrow movement, a genre that bridges fine art and popular culture. Swoon, a renowned Brooklyn-based street artist with work in major institutions like MoMA and Tate Modern, brings significant visibility to the show and its participating artists. The free admission and community events underscore BRG’s commitment to accessible contemporary art, while the partnership with LSU’s School of Art fosters educational engagement and local cultural development.