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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsNational Museum of Women in the Arts
La llamada (The Call) 1961
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Like many figures in Remedios Varos paintings, the subject of The Call (1961) projects a sense of solemn preoccupation, as though in the midst of a momentous adventure. Wearing flowing robes and carrying alchemical tools, including a mortar and pestle at her collar, she traverses a sort of courtyard. Her hair forms a brilliant swirl of light, which seems to bring her energy from a celestial source.
This work reflects Varos characteristic color palettethe central figure, illuminated in fiery orange-gold tones, walks through shadowy, more muted surroundings. Precise lines reveal unexpected details, such as walls that appear to entomb figures in tree bark.
Varos own features, particularly her large eyes and long, straight nose, often appear in the faces of her protagonists, emphasizing the importance she placed on her perspective as a woman. However, as in The Call, her works do not feature direct self-portraits. The figures are frequently androgynous or not-quite-human alter-egos, with witty and delicate features of fauna or otherworldly creatures.
Varo created this work near the end of her life, while living in Mexico and growing in artistic reputation. It reflects her Surrealist influences and her interestsshe dabbled in alchemical experimentsas well as her talent for evoking ambiguous narratives through art.
http://nmwa.org/works/la-llamada-call
If you get a chance, Google "Varo", and take a look at her work... you won't be disappointed.
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National Museum of Women in the Arts (Original Post)
MerryBlooms
Mar 2016
OP
blm
(113,005 posts)1. Gorgeous palette.
.
MerryBlooms
(11,756 posts)2. Yes, truly. :)
brer cat
(24,513 posts)3. Very interesting.
I'm not familiar with her work...always nice to learn something new. Thanks, MerryBlooms.
MerryBlooms
(11,756 posts)5. You're welcome.
"I don't know much about art, but I know what I like."
... And, I like Varo.
Little_Wing
(417 posts)4. Beautiful imagery
Can't wait to explore her work, MerryBlooms
MerryBlooms
(11,756 posts)6. Oh good, you won't be disappointed.
Maybe we can talk our resident art expert, CTyankee, into a Varo lesson.
Little_Wing
(417 posts)7. You have done a damn fine job of providing a path of elucidation, Merry!
Who says we can't have two (or more?) guides to the sublime here? I treasure CTYankee's trove of knowledge and so look forward to each of her essays. That does not diminish your contribution... whenever I discover another "hidden" woman in the arts, it is an occasion for celebration!
MerryBlooms
(11,756 posts)8. Thanks so much for your kind words.
I'm grateful to have to have such resources at our fingertips. What amazing times we live in.
MisterP
(23,730 posts)9. yes, that generation took the idea of "metaphysical painting" quite seriously
flying rabbit
(4,623 posts)10. Very cool! nt