The artwork titled “Character” is a symbolic painting by the artist Remedios Varo, notable for her contributions to the Surrealism art movement. This piece exemplifies the surrealistic approach to art that seeks to express imaginative dreams and visions beyond ordinary reality.
In the artwork, we observe an anthropomorphic figure that appears to blend avian and human characteristics. The entity possesses a prominent headpiece that resembles both a feathered headdress and the top fronds of a plant. Below this headpiece, the figure’s face is human-like but with an elongated feature that directly contrasts with the rest of its angular and somewhat geometric aspect.
The body has structures akin to wings, presenting a majestic and complex arrangement of what could be interpreted as feathers or perhaps even leaves, furthering the plant-life analogy. The torso region forms a flask-like shape with an inner scene that appears to contain a smaller figure within a reflective pool, possibly indicating introspection or a concealed inner life.
The lower portion transitions into slender legs that maintain the human-bird hybrid theme. They terminate in wrapped, bird-like feet grounding the figure, and this could be indicative of a connection between the mystical or ethereal aspects of the figure with the more tangible earthly realm.
The entirety of the subject is shrouded in an ethereal glow, emphasizing the otherworldly or transcendental nature of the subject, which is a common thread in Varo’s work. The background is a moody, indistinct dark space that throws the figure into sharp relief, highlighting its mysterious presence.
Overall, “Character” is a testament to Remedios Varo’s unique vision within the Surrealist movement, presenting viewers with a stirring image that invites contemplation and interpretation, challenging perceptions of reality and the boundaries between the organic world and the realm of the fantastical.
