Leonora Carrington, the surrealist painter and writer, remains one of the most enigmatic and intriguing figures in the 20th-century art world. Born into a wealthy English family on this day April 6, 1917, Carrington defied societal expectations to follow her passion for art, eventually becoming a leading figure in the Surrealist movement.
Carrington’s artistry is often characterized by its fusion of dreamlike imagery, fantasy elements, and unconventional narratives. Her work often blurs the lines between reality and the subconscious, an approach that aligns with the fundamental principles of Surrealism. Yet, she never allowed her work to be defined or restricted by this movement. Instead, she used it as a springboard to explore and express her unique visions and ideas.
Carrington’s vivid, fantastical paintings are rich with symbolic meaning, often reflecting her personal experiences and perspectives. Her works frequently incorporate themes of transformation, rebirth, and the power of the feminine, a testament to her deep-seated interest in mythology, folklore, and the occult. Her painting ‘The Pomps of the Subsoil’, for example, is an intricate tableau of hybrid creatures and mythical beings that seem to come straight from her subconscious mind.
In addition to her visual art, Leonora Carrington was also a prolific writer. Her short stories and novels reflect the same hauntingly surreal quality as her paintings. The Hearing Trumpet, arguably her best-known novel, is a prime example of her ability to blend the mundane with the magical in a way that challenges our perception of reality.
The artistry of Leonora Carrington is a testament to her singular vision and relentless pursuit of creative freedom. She was not only a trailblazer in the Surrealist movement but also an artist who continually pushed the boundaries of creativity to articulate her unique perspective on the world. Her enduring influence on contemporary art underlines the timeless appeal and relevance of her work.
The Giantess (The Guardian of the Egg)
No foam-born Venus blown ashore on a shell
She crawled straight from the mouth
of the whale
turned her back on the map of her journey
freed the geese that led her
to her unknown home.
As for the terror
that overwhelmed her
she’s put it behind her
so let waves rise, mound themselves into hillocks
miniscule men fight monsters
saplings sputter flame.
She is brooding mysteries in her head,
her unhatched visions sprout strange
feathers in their egg.
-Leonora Carrington
Curated by Jennifer
