Leonora Carrington
Leonora Carrington, The Lovers, 1987
Leonora Carrington, one of the most compelling and imaginative figures of Surrealism, created a fantastical body of work that defies conventional reality and transports viewers into realms of dream, myth, and alchemy. Born in England and later a key member of Mexico’s Surrealist community, Carrington’s paintings are renowned for their rich symbolism, otherworldly landscapes, and powerful depictions of female empowerment. Her art reflects a deep connection to mythology, the occult, and the subconscious, blending surreal imagery with personal and cultural narratives to create her own unique visual language.
Carrington’s work is often characterized by intricate, dreamlike scenes populated by mystical creatures, hybrid figures, and enchanted landscapes. In *The Lovers* (1987), one of her most iconic pieces, a pair of intertwined figures, half-human and half-animal, occupy a lush, mysterious environment, evoking themes of transformation, desire, and the mystical union of opposites. Similarly, in *The Pomps of the Subsoil* (1947), Carrington delves into a surreal world where giant, strange beings emerge from the earth, blending the natural with the supernatural in a symbolic exploration of human existence and transformation.
Leonora Carrington, Les Distractions De Dagobert, 1945
Leonora Carrington, The Old Maids, 1947
Much of Carrington’s work reflects her fascination with the feminine and the mystical, presenting women not as passive subjects, but as active agents of change, wisdom, and magic. Her female figures often occupy powerful, independent roles—sometimes as sorceresses, magicians, or priestesses—embodying a sense of agency and spiritual awakening. Her paintings frequently engage with themes of liberation, identity, and the challenges of navigating societal and personal boundaries, offering a vivid, unapologetic exploration of the mind’s inner workings.
Born in Lancashire, England, Carrington’s early life was marked by rebellion against the expectations placed on her as a young woman in British society. After studying art in London, she became deeply involved with the Surrealist movement in the late 1930s, and it was during this time that she met the artist Max Ernst, who became a significant influence on her life and work. Following the upheaval of World War II, Carrington relocated to Mexico in 1942, where she found a vibrant community of artists and intellectuals, including fellow Surrealists such as Remedios Varo. Mexico became her home for the rest of her life, and it was there that she produced much of her most celebrated work, blending her personal mythology with the rich cultural traditions of her adopted country.
Carrington continued to paint, write, and create until her death in 2011, leaving behind a legacy that remains a vital and influential force in the art world. Her work is a testament to the transformative power of imagination, offering an invitation to explore the mysteries of the unconscious and to embrace the magic that lies beyond the visible world.
Leonora Carrington, The Pomps of the Subsoil, 1947