July 7 – October 13, 2024
Leonora Carrington (1917 – 2011) explores themes of metamorphosis, magic, and biblical allegory. She populates her compositions with hybrid creatures; human figures fused with mythical and imagined beasts suggest a confrontation between the material world and the world of dreams. Among the early European surrealists, Carrington is a pioneer in her century-spanning explorations of the subconscious and her portrayal of imagery related to mystical experience. Along with her notable painting practice, she utilizes lithography and other print media to communicate these concepts with an ethereal and delicate mastery of the drawn line.
Carrington rebelled against the societal expectations she encountered as an upper-class young woman born in Lancashire, England. She balked at the rules of her boarding schools, bored by the seemingly endless series of debutante balls. Her interests, instead, lay in Irish fables, and English writers such as Lewis Carroll, Jonathan Swift, and Beatrix Potter.
In 1937 Carrington began a relationship with Max Ernst. Ernst was arrested by the Gestapo, escaped, and fled to New York, leaving a devastated Carrington behind. She was institutionalized in Spain before making her way to Mexico, where she eventually married photographer Emerico “Chiki” Weisz, a Hungarian Jewish refugee. Over the course of her eight-decade career, Carrington explored the mystery of the world around her, claiming at the end of her life, “The only thing I know, is that I don’t know.”
Works from the collection of Mixografia Print Studio and Gallery, LA. OJMCHE gratefully acknowledges the Craig E. Wollner Fund for supporting the exhibition.
Exhibition Related Events
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Goddess of Surrealism: A Lecture About Leonora Carrington with Dr. Abigail Susik
Join us for a presentation by art historian Dr. Abigail Susik about surrealist artist Leonora Carrington. Susik will provide an introductory overview of her life and work, especially focusing on Carrington’s pre-1960 work, and will share insight about the works included in The Magic World of Leonora Carrington.
August 8 | Event starts at 6 – 7pm, Doors open at 5:15pm for reception | Location: OJMCHE | $15 general admission, $10 for members with code on back of membership card, Purchase Ticket
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Public Tours of The Magic World of Leonora Carrington
Join Dr. Abigail Susik, Surrealist scholar, for a lively walkthrough of The Magic World of Leonora Carrington.
August 17 | 2:15 – 3pm | RSVP Here
September 15 | 2:15 – 3pm| RSVP Here
September 27 | 2:15 – 3pm| RSVP Here
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Carrington Collage Workshops
Using just a pair of scissors, glue, images, and a bit of imagination, we will find new images in existing ones. Through cutting and joining images, new ways of seeing can emerge. After looking at the art of Surrealist artist Leonora Carrington in our gallery, the workshop will allow participants to imagine, feel, and create a collage using surrealist techniques. The goal of this workshop is to have fun and create a work of art without pressure or intimidation! No prior background is needed to join in.
September 14 | 2pm – 3:30pm | $5 for general, free for members with code on back of membership card, Purchase your tickets
October 5 | 2pm – 3:30pm | $5 for general, free for members with code on back of membership card, Purchase your tickets