Leonora Carrington (1917-2011) was a British-born Mexican artist and writer known for her surreal and fantastical works of art, as well as her contributions to literature. She was associated with the Surrealist movement and played a significant role in expanding the boundaries of art and storytelling. Here are some key points about Leonora Carrington:1. **Early Life and Artistic Beginnings**: Leonora Carrington was born on April 6, 1917, in Clayton Green, Lancashire, England, into an upper-class family. She displayed an early talent for art and began studying at the Chelsea School of Art in London in the 1930s.2. **Surrealist Influence**: Carrington was introduced to Surrealism through her relationship with the Surrealist artist Max Ernst. They met in London in 1937, and their relationship led her to embrace Surrealism and its exploration of the subconscious mind.3. **Surrealist Art**: Carrington's art is characterized by dreamlike and fantastical imagery, often featuring mythical creatures, hybrid beings, and symbolic elements. Her works challenge conventional notions of reality and draw from her own dreams and inner world.4. **Escape to France and Internment**: With the outbreak of World War II, Carrington fled to France, where she was eventually captured by the Nazis. She spent time in a psychiatric hospital in Spain and later escaped, making her way to the Mexican embassy in Lisbon, Portugal. Her experiences during this time greatly influenced her art.5. **Mexico**: Carrington settled in Mexico City in 1942 and became a prominent figure in the city's vibrant artistic and literary scene. Mexico's rich culture and mythology had a profound impact on her work.6. **Literary Contributions**: In addition to her art, Carrington was a prolific writer. She authored novels, short stories, and plays, often drawing from her interest in folklore, magic, and the supernatural. Her most famous novel is "The Hearing Trumpet" (1974).7. **Recognition and Exhibitions**: Carrington's art and writing gained recognition both in Mexico and internationally. Her works have been exhibited in museums and galleries around the world, including retrospectives of her career.8. **Personal Mythology**: Carrington created her own personal mythology, filled with recurring characters and symbolism. Her art often explores themes of transformation, identity, and the mystical.9. **Later Life and Legacy**: Leonora Carrington continued to produce art and write throughout her life. She passed away on May 25, 2011, in Mexico City. Her contributions to Surrealism, both in art and literature, continue to be celebrated and studied.10. **Feminist Perspective**: Carrington's art and writing often incorporated feminist themes and challenged traditional gender roles. Her work has been embraced by feminist scholars and artists for its exploration of female identity and empowerment.Leonora Carrington remains a celebrated figure in Surrealism and an icon in the world of art and literature. Her unique vision, blending the dreamlike and the mystical, continues to captivate and inspire audiences around the world.
Measures 21.6 x 26.8.