Cosmic Energy by Remedios Varo (Interpretation and Analysis)

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Cosmic Energy
Source: WikiArt
Spanish-Mexican artist Remedios Varo was one the most creative artists of her age. After fleeing Europe during World War II, Varo became one of the leaders of the famed Mexican Surrealist movement. Although Mexican influences are not obvious in her art, Varo’s work is highly original and inventive; Varo used her painting to explore the boundary between the real and the fantastical.

Her work was largely inspired by religion and spiritual experience. Although Varo wasn’t necessarily religious, her paintings were highly influenced by religious mysticism, magic, and the energy that exists between living things in the world. This aim is clearly displayed in Cosmic Energy.

The piece depicts a room in which strange, humanoid figures emerge from the wall. One figure plays a violin (at least, I think it’s a violin; it’s some sort of stringed instrument for sure), while the other figure strokes a cat. Beams of light pour through cracks in the wall, making flowers grow on the floor.

For one reason or another, I find this painting to be touching. It is a hopeful piece that emanates positive energy. The painting represents the connective energy that units all living things. From a stylistic perspective, the painting does this by creating visual parallelism and balance. The sparks of light radiating from the cat and the sun pouring through the wall represent this life-force, capturing the indefinable essence of this cosmic energy.

Disclaimer: I’m not an art historian or an expert on this topic. The above is my opinion, based on my interpretation of my foreknowledge of art and history. If I’ve done any additional research, I’ll note it above.

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