The other day I saw the Surrealist women artists exhibit at LACMA. The sheer force of it blew me away— all these women, half I didn't know, living as artists, despite not being able to make a living at it. They went unrecognized and unappreciated by gallery owners, critics, and even their husbands. Ironically, when they grew old, they began to look like old men, but probably enjoyed themselves better, living alone and still making art.
For my birthday and in honor of these women, I've taken the liberty to draw three portraits, via Dorothy Tanning, Frieda Kahlo, and Leonora Carrington. Enjoy.
Birthday
by Dorothy Tanning
Diego Rivera and Frieda Kahlo,
Wedding Portrait,
by Frida Kahlo
Portrait
The Chrysopeia of Mary the Jewess,
by Leonora Carrington
(Click portraits to see as slide show)
This is so free & wild, Charlotte. Inspiring. It works really well as a slide show, where you can see the originals side by side with your interpretations. By the way, had to look up chrysopeia - who knew? An alchemical term for transmutation into gold - very interesting in the context of women's work. Makes me think of the miller's daughter in Rumpelstiltskin charged with spinning straw into gold - which she could not do!
ReplyDeletethese are terrific, charlotte--and thanks so much for alerting me to the show at LACMA. not that i can go--i live in Maine--but i can look at the images online. ( i just linked to follow your blog--i like your sensibility.)
ReplyDeleteall best wishes...
susan
hi Susan, i feel the same about you/your blog, which i just stumbled upon as one does; good to know it's out there. Thanks for following, and i will continue to follow twisted knickers.
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