Leonora Carrington: Surrealism, Alchemy and Art

I really wanted to see the pictures and was not too fussed about the biography, but the biog bit proved quite interesting and I found the commentary on the pictures helpful, as some of the details are difficult to see (for aging eyes), and could easily be missed. I would have liked bigger versions of some of the pictures, but overall I would not criticise it. With art I think I would always want bigger pictures. The images seemed well produced to me and I am very happy with the book and might even have a look for more on her work.

The only thing I found disappointing is the fact the photographs of the paintings are very dark. Her work is reproduced in odd entries I think by her granddaughter on Instagram and the photos of Leonora’s work are very clear and her images are so strikingly different to look at because you can see more detail as the artwork is a lot lighter. I had no idea I wasn’t looking at the real colours and depth before coming across her Instagram account.Apart from that it’s a beautiful, well thought out book, but I struggle to see the detail as it could’ve been reproduced an awful lot better

It seems that the young Leonora Carrington (1917-2011) came from an elite society background, which disapproved of her painting, and disapproved even more of what she was painting and the company she mixed with. This important book will give those unfamiliar with her work an opportunity to quickly appreciate how she was one of the true giants of the surrealist movement in modern art.She left her native England and spent some time in mainland Europe before finally settling in Mexico. Her works and career are far better known in North America, Japan, and other places than they are in her homeland. While other more household names like Dali and Picasso were socialising and deliberately seeking publicity, she was quietly working away at her easel. Leonora Carrington's ability to combine her painterly skill with a talent for visualising strange and exotic scenes take us into a world that lies beyond the conscious mind, in an effective and rewarding way, which Susan L. Aberth's book helpfully and sympathetically explores. There are lots of images, accompanied by some well-written narrative which details her background, life experiences, outlook, processes, and impact.Published as a paperback in 2010, including notes and index the book runs to around 150 pages. At just slightly wider than A4 size, this makes it a comfortable book to be able to hold without becoming tiring too quickly. Many of the images are full-page, but several are not - but everything is large enough to be able to enjoy a good close-up study. Recommended.

This is a really lovely book. Lots of good illustrations & much description of the symbolism within her work. Leonora Carrington had a fascinating & at times turbulent life. A wonderful insight into her magical & mystical world of surrealism. Susan Aberth gives much information about the first half of LC's life, though I felt is straggled off after that. I would have liked to have known more about the older woman & her life in Mexico.

The reproductions are good and though some image seem too dark I think that is more a characteristic of the originals rather than the reproduction. The text could have been less "interpretive" and more detailed about Carrington's life. The writing style is a bit dull.