Mario and Surrealism: Abandoning Reason and Embracing Yoshi

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Image result for mario yoshi

       Viewing surrealism in literal and broad terms--by the layman’s vernacular, rather than through the lens of history or art criticism--it represents a freedom in how the world is explored, an abandoning of the shackles of reality. Mario references the real world in passing: Yoshi, a lizard creature, lays eggs, Mario is an Italian plumber, Princess Peach presides over a kingdom.

       These more recognizable motifs offer a frame of reference for the viewer, while still taking them on a visual journey through a strange and wonderful world, distinct from their own while still drawing on familiar symbols to inspire images of America, nature, and modern life.

This design process is exemplified in the character of Yoshi, a small dinosaur character whom Mario may ride occasionally. This is strange, but not too strange to the point of surrealism, as dinosaurs are accepted images in pop culture. Yoshi also vomits forth her own eggs as projectiles, however. That also takes a familiar idea--reptiles lay eggs--and alters it such that it becomes strange and almost funny.

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