Creation with astral rays 1955

Remedios Varo painted ‘Creation with astral rays’ in Mexico, but we don't know exactly when. It presents a lone, androgynous figure, part medieval alchemist, part futuristic inventor, amidst a surreal landscape. The figure operates an elaborate contraption, seemingly irrigating a single flower. Varo, a Spanish refugee from World War II, found artistic freedom in Mexico's vibrant surrealist circles. Her work is often interpreted as a commentary on the human condition, our relationship with nature, and the quest for knowledge. The image creates meaning through its esoteric symbolism, scientific references, and dreamlike atmosphere. To understand Varo's art, one can examine the cultural context of post-war Mexico, her interest in science and philosophy, and the influence of surrealist thought. Art historians delve into letters, biographies, and contemporary art criticism to understand how the artist and her contemporaries perceived the public role of art in their world. The meaning of art is always contingent on social and institutional context.