The Shooting Gallery VIII 1940

"The Shooting Gallery VIII" (1940) by Czech Surrealist artist Toyen, depicts two headless figures on pedestals amidst a field of walnuts. The figure on the left wears a shirt with a heart and a ballerina figure, while the figure on the right wears a shirt with a fork, knife, and spoon. Toyen’s artwork is characterized by its dark humor and unsettling imagery, often exploring themes of death, sexuality, and the absurdity of human existence. This piece exemplifies her signature style with its stark black and white lines, surreal composition, and unsettling subject matter.