Three destinations 1956

Remedios Varo made this painting, 'Three Destinations', using oil on canvas. The buildings, reminiscent of gothic architecture, are rendered in earth tones. It's like Varo carefully built up the forms using tiny strokes of red and brown pigment. See how Varo has rendered the figures in each of the towers. I find it interesting that they all appear to be engaged in intellectual pursuits – writing, contemplating, or creating. I wonder, are these supposed to be aspects of the same figure? Or perhaps these are the different kinds of places we can find in our own minds. The material quality feels like a dreamscape; the surface is smooth, lending a surreal quality to the overall image. The careful brushstrokes create an almost meditative atmosphere. It’s as if Varo is trying to illustrate the nature of thought and the self, and the fact that these are not fixed, but always changing, destinations. Giorgio de Chirico comes to mind, but Varo has her own spin on things. Ultimately, the artwork embraces ambiguity, inviting viewers to bring their interpretations.