APPOART

“I am as mysterious to myself as I am mysterious to others”

Leonora Carrington was a prominent British-born Mexican artist and writer, celebrated for her contributions to the Surrealist movement. Born on April 6, 1917, in Clayton Green, Lancashire, England, she grew up in an affluent family but rebelled against the societal expectations placed upon her, particularly those related to her Catholic upbringing. This rebellion led her to pursue a career in art, which she began studying in Florence before moving to London, where she enrolled in Amédée Ozenfant’s art academy in 1936.

Carrington’s artistic journey took a significant turn when she met the renowned Surrealist painter Max Ernst in 1937. Their relationship flourished, and they moved to France, where Carrington became immersed in the Surrealist circle, interacting with influential figures such as André Breton and Salvador Dalí.

Artistic style:

Carrington’s paintings are marked by meticulous detail and a vibrant color palette, often created using small brushstrokes that build layers of paint. This technique allows her to convey complex imagery and emotional depth. Her style blends various influences, including Celtic folklore, medieval alchemy, and magical realism, resulting in a distinctive visual language that she preferred to keep private, avoiding explicit explanations of her symbols. 

Most important works:

1. Self-Portrait (Inn of the Dawn Horse) (1937-38)

This painting is one of Carrington’s most iconic works, reflecting her identity and the duality of her nature. In this self-portrait, she depicts herself alongside a horse and a hyena, symbolizing her connection to both the animal world and her own complex femininity. The work is notable for its exploration of female sexuality and the transformation of identity, diverging from traditional male perspectives in Surrealism.

2. The Meal of Lord Candlestick (1937)

Created shortly after her escape to France, this painting subverts traditional religious imagery by depicting a grotesque banquet where female figures consume a male infant. This work reflects Carrington’s rebellious spirit and her rejection of her Catholic upbringing, using dark humor to challenge societal norms surrounding maternity and religion.

3. El Juglar (1954)

This piece showcases Carrington’s signature style, featuring a jester figure that embodies themes of transformation and the interplay between reality and fantasy. The vibrant colors and intricate details are characteristic of her later works, which often blend personal symbolism with broader cultural narratives.

4. Pastoral (1950)

In Pastoral, Carrington shifts her focus to the animal world, reflecting her rejection of conventional representations of women in Surrealism. The painting is rich in symbolism, portraying a harmonious relationship between humans and nature, which aligns with her later environmental themes.

5. Woman with Bird (1978)

This later work features a woman in a serene setting, interacting with a bird. The imagery suggests themes of nurturing and connection with nature, highlighting Carrington’s enduring interest in the bond between humans and animals.

Exhibitions:

1. Fantastic Visions: 100 Years of Surrealism

Location: Museum of Art Pudong, Shanghai

Dates: February 2 – August 31, 2024

This group exhibition celebrates the centenary of Surrealism and includes works from various artists, highlighting Carrington’s influence within the movement.

2. Leonora Carrington: Rebel Visionary

Location: Newlands House Gallery, Petworth, Sussex

Dates: July 12 – October 26, 2024

This retrospective will re-examine Carrington’s work in light of her posthumous success, featuring a wide range of her output across different media, including paintings, masks, lithographs, tapestries, and sculptures. The exhibition aims to showcase her imaginative worlds and the breadth of her artistic career spanning eight decades.