Surrealist works have an element of surprise : unexpected items are placed next to each other for no clear reason . Many Surrealist artists and writers see their work as an expression of the philosophical movement first and foremost . Surrealist works feature the element of surprise , unexpected juxtapositions and non sequitur ; however , many Surrealist artists and writers regard their work as an expression of the philosophical movement first and foremost , with the works being an artefact .