Discover the life and work of the women of the FAMM
(1917 - 2011)
Painter
British-Mexican
Leonora Carrington, born in 1917, in Clayton-le-Woods, Lancashire, England, was a renowned British-born Mexican artist and writer, celebrated for her surrealistic works and her intriguing life story.
Carrington's artistic journey began at a young age, fueled by her unconventional upbringing in a wealthy British family. Rebelling against societal norms for bourgeoisie children, and the will of her father, she attended art school in London, where she met Surrealist artists like Max Ernst, who would become her lover and influence her artistic vision profoundly.
In 1939, Carrington fled Europe during World War II, escaping the Nazi occupation, and eventually settled in Mexico City in 1942. There, she found a new home and a thriving artistic community that embraced her unique style. Her work often featured fantastical creatures, mystical landscapes, and symbolic motifs, reflecting her interest in alchemy, mythology, and the occult.
Beyond her artistic endeavors, Carrington was also a talented writer, crafting surreal and fantastical stories that complemented her visual art. Her writing often explored themes of identity, transformation, and the mysterious realms of the subconscious.
Throughout her life, Carrington remained a fiercely independent and enigmatic figure, challenging artistic conventions and societal expectations. She continued to create groundbreaking work until her passing on May 25, 2011, leaving behind a legacy of creativity, imagination, and defiance that continues to inspire artists and admirers worldwide.