Dorothea Tanning
USA- Dorothea Tanning: A Surrealist Pioneer
- Journey into Surrealism
- Artistic Exploration
- Marriage and International Recognition
- New Beginnings in New York
- Multifaceted Artist
Dorothea Tanning: A Surrealist Pioneer
Dorothea Tanning, one of the last surviving members of the Surrealist movement, was born in Galesburg, Illinois, on August 25, 1910. She studied at Knox College and briefly at the Art Institute in Chicago.
Journey into Surrealism
In 1935, Tanning moved to New York City and worked as a commercial artist. After seeing the "Fantastic Art, Dada, Surrealism" exhibition at The Museum of Modern Art in 1936, she became fascinated with Surrealism and decided to pursue art professionally.
Artistic Exploration
Tanning traveled to France and Sweden from 1939 to 1941, returning to the United States before the war. Her first exhibition was held at the Julien Levy Gallery in 1944, showcasing paintings that explored themes of female sexuality and fantasy. Her Surrealist works were characterized by bold colors, expressive brushstrokes, and a sense of power.
Marriage and International Recognition
In New York, Tanning met Max Ernst, whom she married in 1946. The couple lived in Arizona and then moved to France in the mid-1950s. After Ernst's death two decades later, Tanning returned to New York. By that time, she was more renowned as an artist in Europe than in her native United States.
New Beginnings in New York
In New York, Tanning embark on a new series of paintings marked by experimentation and innovation. "Still in the Studio" (1978) exemplifies this dynamic period in her artistry.
Multifaceted Artist
Beyond painting, Tanning also worked as a sculptor, illustrator, and stage designer for ballet and theater productions in New York, London, and Paris. She designed album covers for iconic rock bands like Pink Floyd. Her works are held in prestigious collections worldwide, including the Tate Gallery in London, the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris, and The Museum of Modern Art in New York.
