Episode 05: Las Tres Witches (Part 1) - Leonora Carrington, Kati Horna, and Remedios Varo

Leonora Carrington, Kati Horna, and Remedios Varo (+ gato) all circa early 1940s

In your serving of Art History this week, Stephanie Dueñas and Russell Shoemaker introduce the fascinating lives of The Three Witches aka Remedios Varo, Kati Horna and Leonora Carrington.

In this episode, we discuss the war, heartbreak and trauma that brought these powerful artists together in Mexico, world’s away from their native Europe. Topics include: cassette covers, Bayer aspirin, 1940s Mexico City, running from Nazis (again), debutante balls, hyenas, a J. Crew sock and tequila.

Our Art Pantry Quickie of the week is Gouache.

Our Art Quickie Politicky entry of the week is Anarchy

“Insomnia I”, 1947. Gouache on paper by Remedios Varo

“Rheumatic Pain II”, 1948 Gouache on paper by Remedios Varo

Remedios Varo with gato c. early 1940s

“Malaria (Dragon-fly)”, 1947 Gouache on cardboard by Remedios Varo

“The Double Agent”, 1936. Oil on canvas by Remedios Varo

“Le Monde Poétique II”, 1937. Oil on canvas by Rene Magritte  

Costumes design by local artists in Mexico City including Remedios Varo and Leonora Carrington from the ballet Aleko c. 1941-2

Costumes design by local artists in Mexico City including Remedios Varo and Leonora Carrington from the ballet Aleko c. 1941-2

Remedios Varo and Benjamin Peret c. late 1930s - early 1940s

Jose and Kati Horna in Mexico c. early 1940s

Breastfeeding Woman, 1937 by Kati Horna, taken during the Spanish Civil War

Leonora Carrington, c. 1937

Debutante ball c. 1940s

Max Ernst and Leonora Carrington c. 1937

“Leonora in the Morning Light”, 1940. Oil on canvas by Max Ernst

“Portrait of Max Ernst”, 1939. Oil on canvas by Leonora Carrington

Plaza Zocalo in Mexico City c. 1940s