Customer Reviews

Leonora Carrington: The Mexican Years : 1943-1985

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If you click on the picture of this book you can get glimpse into the Surreal art of this fascinating British artist who emigrated to Mexico early on in her career. The front and back covers are a detail from a piece created in 1963 entitled El Mundo Magico De Los Mayas which was commioned for the then new Anthropology Museum in Mexico City. This particular piece was eventually moved to Tuxtla Guiterrez, the capital of the state of Chiapas. The complete mural, featured in the book, is a mystical journey that is reflective of this creative artist. Her imagery is finely layered, producing glimpses into the seen and unseen of the world. This book was published on the occasion of an exhibition in San Francisco at The Mexican Museum entitled The Mexican Years 1943-1985. In that regard it is more of a catologue which features the art from the exhibit. However, it more than just pictures as it gives a brief overview of a truly fascinating life including a chronlogy. The book takes the reader on a magical ride through her upbringing in priviledge, her schooling in a castle built by Henry VIII under the tuteledge of nuns who were perplexed by her questions, such as, "Who said 2+2=4." Needless to say ordinary education and a mundane life were not to be. The book tells the story of a woman ahead of her times who ran off with Max Ernst, writes a book which Ernst illustrates and begins a career as a writer and artist. Drawn to Surrealism, her roots are reflective in her art with a mixture of Celtic mythology and Christian imagery; that coupled with the influences of her life in Mexico result in some stunning creations. Her psychic and cosmological thematic works are a exploration of the inner working of an intuitive artist whose bold expressions set the stage for her to associate with Frida Kahlo and Remedios Varo and be at the forefront of women in art. One of the highlights of this book is the interview by Paul De Angelis which reveals the woman in complete candor as she explores her belief systems that lie outside Western rationalism. I only wish this book were bigger. I would recommend this book to a collector,or someone interested in the life and works of Leonora Carrington.