lrs Varo Remedios Internado Ambulante Remedios Varo

The composition presents a surreal and unsettling scene dominated by a large, fantastical creature rendered in earthy tones of brown and ochre. The animals form is vaguely mammalian, recalling a bison or bull, but its anatomy is distorted and exaggerated. It moves on circular wheels affixed to each side, suggesting an unnatural locomotion and a detachment from the natural world. A translucent, tent-like structure drapes over the creature’s back, revealing a complex interior space within.
Inside this enclosure, one observes a miniature cityscape constructed with meticulous detail. Buildings of varying heights and architectural styles are arranged in a chaotic yet strangely ordered fashion. The structures appear to be both functional and whimsical, incorporating elements reminiscent of traditional dwellings alongside more fantastical or symbolic forms. Small figures populate the city, engaged in activities that remain ambiguous – some seem to be working, others observing, while still others appear lost within the urban sprawl.
The lighting is uneven, with areas of intense illumination contrasting sharply with deep shadows, contributing to a sense of unease and mystery. The overall effect is one of displacement and confinement; the miniature city seems trapped within the larger creature’s body, suggesting themes of societal structures, institutionalization, or perhaps even the fragility of human existence.
The artists choice of color palette reinforces this feeling of isolation and melancholy. The muted browns and ochres evoke a sense of decay and stagnation, while the limited range of hues contributes to the painting’s dreamlike quality. The circular wheels beneath the creature introduce an element of cyclical time or repetitive motion, hinting at a system that is both inescapable and potentially meaningless.
The work seems to explore the relationship between individual experience and larger societal forces, suggesting a critique of systems that confine and control. It invites contemplation on themes of freedom, confinement, and the search for meaning within a complex and often bewildering world.