Spanish Surrealist artist Remedios Varo (1908–1963) merged science, mysticism, and art in her enigmatic works, now showcased in the Science Fictions exhibition at the Art Institute of Chicago.
This major retrospective—the first in a U.S. museum in 23 years—features over 60 paintings, sketches, and sculptures that reveal her alchemical vision and multidisciplinary curiosity.
1. Themes and Inspirations
• Alchemy and the Occult: Varo’s works, like Creation of the Birds (1957), depict mystical transformations, blending science and magic. An owl-like figure paints birds to life under a celestial beam, symbolizing creation as an act of alchemy.
• Scientific Fascination: Her interests spanned astronomy, ecology, and mechanics, often visualized in intricate apparatuses (e.g., Useless Science, or The Alchemist, 1955).
• Feminist and Psychological Depth: Tarot, dreams, and feminist narratives underpin her surreal worlds, challenging logical perception in favor of intuition.
2. Artistic Techniques
• Layered Processes: Varo employed decalcomania (paint-pressing), scraping, and embedded materials like mother-of-pearl to create cosmic textures.
• Preparatory Cartoons: She drafted full-scale sketches before transferring compositions to panels, balancing precision with experimental mark-making.
3. Legacy and Exhibition Highlights
• “The Three Witches”: Varo, alongside Leonora Carrington and Kati Horna, formed a legendary Surrealist trio in Mexico. Her cult status stems from her cryptic iconography and hybrid techniques.
• Chicago Exhibition: Co-curated by Tere Arcq and Caitlin Haskell, the show highlights her “revered but underrecognized” contributions, framing her art as metaphorical alchemy—transforming ideas into visual spells.
Varo’s work transcends Surrealism, weaving science, esotericism, and artistry into a singular vision. The exhibition, open until November 27, invites viewers into her labyrinth of “useless sciences” and boundless imagination.
All images © 2023 Remedios Varo, Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York / VEGAP, Madrid, courtesy of the Art Institute of Chicago, shared with permission
