A technique developed by the Dada movement and the Surrealists as a way to access the unconscious mind. The artist’s hand is allowed to move randomly across the paper or canvas, freeing the act of mark-making from conscious control.  Automatism was pioneered by French artist  André Masson (1896–1987) and practiced by Joan Miró, Salvador Dalí, Jean Arp and others.

André Masson. Automatic Drawing. Ink on paper. 1924. Museum of Modern Art, New York.