Illusion of Safety 2017

Daria Theodora made this artwork, Illusion of Safety, sometime in the 20th century, using what looks like watercolor and ink. There’s a real sense of process here; nothing feels overworked, and everything feels immediate. The blues and yellows create this feeling of dreamy unease, like a memory half-forgotten. And then you see that the figure is clutching this bright red pole – an active and confrontational mark. The paint is applied in thin, translucent layers, creating a luminous quality, but then there are these decisive outlines in ink, which give it definition. Look at the way the wisps of color curl around the figure, both protecting and enclosing her. It reminds me of the surreal and melancholic worlds that Remedios Varo created. Ultimately, this piece embraces ambiguity, inviting us to bring our own experiences and interpretations to the table. It’s a conversation, not a lecture.