Leonora Carrington is one of those rare artists whose life was just as fascinating as the work she created. Born in 1917 in England, Carrington defied the conventions of her time, escaping a life of privilege to pursue art and her own brand of surrealism. Her paintings, full of mysterious figures, dreamlike landscapes, and a touch of the occult, invite us to step into a world where the ordinary rules don't apply—and that's precisely the point.

I first discovered her in a book about the forgotten women of the surrealist movement. I had of course heard of Dali, Picasso, and May Ray but I had not heard of many women. I adored the work of Frida Kahlo, and wanted to about more artists of the time, particularly of women. This led me to discover not only Leonora Carrington but also Remedios Varo, Wilfredo Lam, and Leonor Fini (blog posts coming soon). These are the underrated icons of art that also deserve to have their praise and the attention that we heap on others.

Carrington’s journey to becoming a key figure in the Surrealist movement began with a rebellion against the strictures of her upbringing. As the daughter of a wealthy industrialist, she was expected to conform to society's expectations. But Carrington had other plans. After being expelled from multiple schools, she eventually found her place at the Chelsea School of Art in London. There, she was introduced to the works of the Surrealists, and her path became clear.

Her life took a dramatic turn when she met Max Ernst, a leading figure in the Surrealist movement. The two became romantically involved, and Carrington soon found herself immersed in the Surrealist circles of Paris. However, her relationship with Ernst was as tumultuous as it was passionate, and when World War II broke out, the pair was separated. Ernst was arrested by the Nazis, and Carrington’s life spiraled into chaos.

Carrington’s work is often categorized as Surrealist, but she brought a unique perspective to the movement. Unlike many of her male contemporaries, who often objectified women in their work, Carrington's art celebrated the feminine, the mystical, and the otherworldly. Her paintings are populated with fantastical creatures, witches, and alchemical symbols, all woven together in a narrative that feels deeply personal and profoundly mysterious.

One of her most famous works, “The Lovers” (1937), captures the essence of her style. In it, we see two figures - one in Blue and the other in Red - sitting side by side in bed, while black hooded figures gather around them. There are human/animal hybrids, a starry sky, and an indigo cloth held by a figure. It demands to be studied, each detail poured over, meaning placed on top and discarded. Trying to decipher the meaning becomes meaningless. The painting is a testament to Carrington’s ability to blend reality with fantasy, creating a space where the two coexist seamlessly.

Her exploration of themes like transformation, magic, and the subconscious mind set her apart from other Surrealists. Carrington was deeply influenced by her interest in the occult and mythology, which she skillfully incorporated into her work. This fusion of the mystical and the personal gives her paintings an almost hypnotic quality, drawing viewers into a world that is as intriguing as it is unsettling.

Carrington’s life was marked by a relentless pursuit of freedom—both artistic and personal. After the war, she eventually settled in Mexico City, where she continued to paint, write, and live on her own terms. Her circle included other artistic luminaries like Remedios Varo and Frida Kahlo, and the vibrant cultural scene of Mexico became a rich source of inspiration for her work.

But Carrington was more than just an artist; she was also an author, a feminist, and an advocate for social change. Her novel “The Hearing Trumpet” is a surreal and satirical take on aging and society’s treatment of women, showcasing her sharp wit and unflinching critique of patriarchal norms. What has been referred to as a companion to “Alice in Wonderland”.

Today, Leonora Carrington’s work continues to resonate with audiences around the world. Her fearless exploration of the unconscious, her celebration of the feminine, and her commitment to living authentically make her an enduring figure in both art and feminist history. Carrington’s work invites us to embrace the unknown, to question the boundaries between reality and imagination, and to find strength in our own individuality. Her paintings remind us that the world is full of mysteries waiting to be uncovered, and that sometimes, the most powerful thing we can do is to create our own path—even if it leads us into the unknown.

The longer I spend with Carrington’s work, the further I get from understanding them. It’s almost terrifying to me, as though I’m witnessing some occult alien practice that I’m not supposed to, like I’m looking into an arcane portal to another world. I see nothing. I see everything. I see myself. I see nature. I see the intimate. I see the profane. And I walk away, changed. From Carrington’s work I take the lesson of embracing the unknown, that it can be powerful just to see, just to feel, just to be.

Here are some of my favorite pieces by Carrington:

Leonora Carrington: A Visionary Surrealist Master

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