Mary Leonora Carrington OBE was a British-born Mexican artist, surrealist painter, and novelist who resided in Mexico City for the majority of her adult life. This remarkable individual was one of the last remaining participants in the surrealist movement of the 1930s, a pivotal era in the development of this unique artistic style.
In addition to her notable contributions to the surrealist movement, Mary Leonora Carrington OBE was also a founding member of the women's liberation movement in Mexico during the 1970s. This period saw a surge in feminist activism and a growing awareness of the importance of women's rights and empowerment.
Throughout her life, Mary Leonora Carrington OBE was a driving force in the Mexican art scene, leaving behind a lasting legacy that continues to inspire and influence artists, writers, and activists to this day.
Carrington's artistic development was significantly impacted by her encounter with the renowned German surrealist, Max Ernst, whom she had the opportunity to meet in London in the year 1937. This chance encounter blossomed into a strong bond between the two artists, with the pair deciding to return to Paris together, where Ernst would ultimately separate from his wife.
Carrington's life took a drastic turn for the worse following the arrest and departure of her beloved Ernst, an event that sent her spiraling into a state of profound emotional distress, ultimately culminating in a severe psychotic episode. This episode necessitated her hospitalization in a Spanish asylum, where she underwent electroconvulsive therapy and received medication in an attempt to stabilize her mental health.
Despite her best efforts, Carrington's condition continued to deteriorate, and she found herself in need of constant care and supervision. It was during this challenging period that she managed to orchestrate a daring escape from her keepers, embarking on a perilous journey that would ultimately lead her to the Mexican Embassy in Portugal.
Upon her arrival, Carrington encountered Renato Leduc, a renowned poet and the Mexican Ambassador, who was so taken by her plight that he agreed to enter into a marriage of convenience with her. This union served as a lifeline for Carrington, providing her with the stability and security she so desperately needed as she struggled to rebuild her shattered life.
Carrington's life took a significant turn as she intermittently resided in Mexico, a country that would continue to play a profound role in shaping her artistic endeavors for the remainder of her life. The experiences she accumulated during this period had a lasting impact on her work, infusing it with the essence of the region's rich cultural heritage.
In 1963, Carrington brought her creative vision to life by crafting a majestic mural, aptly titled "El Mundo Magico de los Mayas". This breathtaking work of art was deeply rooted in the folk stories of the region, which she drew inspiration from to create a masterpiece that would forever be etched in the annals of Mexican art history. Today, this magnificent mural can be found in its permanent residence at the esteemed Museo Nacional de Antropología in Mexico City, a testament to Carrington's enduring legacy as a visionary artist.
During the 1970s, a pivotal decade for feminist movements worldwide, Carrington created a striking poster for the Women's Liberation movement in Mexico, featuring a thought-provoking representation of a 'new Eve'. This innovative design not only showcased her artistic prowess but also demonstrated her commitment to the cause, as she joined a chorus of like-minded women artists who seized the opportunity to address the pressing issues of women's liberation and consciousness within their creative output.
Dorothy Irene Waley Carrington, a multifaceted artist and writer, poured her innermost thoughts and emotions onto the canvas and page, weaving a tapestry of surrealistic masterpieces that delved into the very essence of human existence.
Her artistic endeavors, both in painting and prose, served as a vessel for her own introspective explorations, as she probed the complexities of identity, sexuality, and the human condition.
Throughout her remarkable career, Carrington remained a luminary in the Mexican art world, leaving an indelible mark that continued to reverberate long after her passing.
