• Jean-Claude Silbermann, now 90, considers himself the last Surrealist, having met André Breton in Paris in the late 1950s.
• Silbermann defines Surrealism as a frame of mind and a way of being in the world characterized by revolt.
• After a period of working in his father's hat business, Silbermann returned to poetry and painting, which remain central to his life.

Jean-Claude Silbermann, a 90-year-old artist, shares his experiences as someone who identifies as the last Surrealist. The article details his initial encounter with André Breton in Paris in the late 1950s and explores his personal journey, including his early life, travels, and dedication to poetry and painting. Silbermann's perspective offers insight into the core tenets of Surrealism and its impact on his life.

• What: Profile of Jean-Claude Silbermann and his experiences as the 'last Surrealist'.
• Who: Jean-Claude Silbermann, André Breton, Guillaume Apollinaire, Vincent Sator, Philippe Dagen.
• When: Silbermann was born in 1935. He met Breton in the late 1950s. The photo of Surrealist artists was taken in Summer 1955.
• Where: Paris, France; Oslo, Norway; Copenhagen, Denmark; Saint-Cirq La Popie, France; Galerie Sator in the Marais, Paris.

The article provides a personal and intimate look into the life of Jean-Claude Silbermann, offering a unique perspective on the Surrealist movement through his experiences. His initial encounter with André Breton, his travels, and his eventual return to art are presented as defining moments in his life. Silbermann's struggles with conforming to societal expectations and his ultimate embrace of Surrealism as a 'frame of mind' are highlighted, showcasing the enduring impact of the movement on his life and work.

You are André Breton. I am Jean-Claude Silbermann. I’m a Surrealist.

I loved poetry since I was a little boy. At 18, I read ‘Alcools,’ by Guillaume Apollinaire. I opened the book, and when I closed it, the world had changed

It was a con, but it paid for my cigarettes, my room and my food. It was a very pleasant life.

Jean-Claude Silbermann's story offers a glimpse into the Surrealist movement through the eyes of someone who considers himself its last adherent. His lifelong dedication to art and poetry, coupled with his unique perspective on life, provides insight into the enduring influence of Surrealism. At 90 years old, Silbermann continues to embody the spirit of revolt and artistic expression that defined the movement.