lrs Varo Remedios Au Bonhuer Des Dames Remedios Varo

The composition presents a surreal and dreamlike scene unfolding within what appears to be an enclosed courtyard or arcade. The color palette is dominated by warm tones – ochres, russets, and deep reds – creating a sense of enclosure and perhaps even oppressive heat. A central vertical pole rises from a circular platform at the painting’s base, acting as a focal point around which the rest of the imagery revolves.
Arranged symmetrically along this axis are figures mounted on elaborate bicycle structures. These arent conventional bicycles; they appear to be skeletal frameworks adorned with wheels and decorative elements, suggesting a blend of transportation and ritualistic object. The individuals riding them are rendered in a stylized manner, their faces obscured or masked, contributing to the overall sense of anonymity and detachment. One figure is accompanied by a peacock, its plumage adding a touch of vibrant color and exoticism to the scene.
Behind this procession, an arched opening reveals a glimpse of what seems to be a shop interior. Within this space, shelves are laden with objects – some recognizable as clothing or accessories, others more ambiguous – suggesting a place of commerce or perhaps even a repository of memories or desires. Above the archway, an inscription is visible, though its precise meaning remains elusive within the context of the painting.
The architectural setting itself contributes to the enigmatic atmosphere. The arches and walls create a sense of depth while simultaneously limiting the viewers perspective. A dark, undefined space looms above, hinting at something beyond the immediate scene – a realm that may be both alluring and threatening.
Subtly, the work seems to explore themes of societal conventions, identity, and the passage of time. The bicycle structures could symbolize a mechanized or ritualized approach to life, while the masked figures might represent individuals conforming to prescribed roles. The shop interior suggests a yearning for something beyond the present moment – a desire for transformation or escape. The overall effect is one of unsettling beauty, inviting contemplation on the nature of reality and the complexities of human existence.