Discover the life and work of the women of the FAMM
(1908 - 1996)
Painter
Argentine-Italian
Leonor Fini, is celebrated for her striking and enigmatic artworks, which often explore themes of sexuality, identity, and the subconscious.
Fini's artistic journey began in her youth when she moved from her birth place of Buenos Aires to Trieste, Italy, with her family. She later settled in Milan, where she studied at the Brera Academy of Fine Arts, immersing herself in the vibrant cultural scene of the 1920s. It was during this time that she developed her distinctive style, characterized by meticulous attention to detail, rich symbolism, and dreamlike imagery.
In the 1930s, Fini relocated to Paris, where she became associated with the Surrealist movement and befriended artists such as Salvador Dalí, Max Ernst, and André Breton. While she shared some commonalities with the Surrealists, Fini often resisted being labeled as a Surrealist herself, preferring to maintain her independence and artistic freedom.
Fini's paintings often featured fantastical landscapes, otherworldly creatures, and provocative depictions of the human form, challenging conventional notions of gender and sexuality. Her art explored themes of desire, power dynamics, and the subconscious, inviting viewers to delve into the depths of the human psyche.
In addition to her painting, Fini was also a prolific illustrator and designer, creating book covers, costumes, and stage sets for theater and opera productions. Her work was characterized by its elegance, sophistication, and theatricality, reflecting her lifelong fascination with the intersection of art and life.