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Remedios Varo, a Spanish-Mexican para-surrealist painter and anarchist, left an indelible mark on the art world with her unique blend of mysticism, philosophy, and technical drawing. Born in Girona, Spain in 1908, not 1865 as often cited, she studied at the Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando, Madrid, where she honed her skills alongside other renowned artists like Salvador Dalí.
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Early Life and Influences
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Varo's early life was marked by a mix of intellectual curiosity and artistic inclination. Her father, Rodrigo Varo y Zajalvo, an hydraulic engineer, encouraged her to develop technical drawing skills, which later influenced her unique surrealist style. This blend of science and art would become a hallmark of her work.
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Artistic Career
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Varo's artistic career was short but impactful. She began with traditional portraits, including a self-portrait and family members, before delving into surrealism. Her involvement with the Logicophobists, a collective interested in uniting art with metaphysics, further solidified her surrealist leanings.
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Notable Works
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Star Catcher, a painting that encapsulates her unique blend of mysticism and technical skill.
- Icon, showcasing her ability to merge the abstract with the deeply personal.
- Face, a surrealist masterpiece that explores the human psyche.
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Museums and Collections
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The Munnings Art Museum**, though not specifically dedicated to Varo, offers a glimpse into British artistry, which influenced her early work.
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Real Academia de San Fernando** in Madrid, where she studied, is a testament to her artistic roots.
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Legacy
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Varo's legacy as one of the world's famous para-surrealist artists of the 20th Century endures. Her unique approach to art, blending technical skill with deep philosophical and mystical themes, continues to inspire artists and art enthusiasts alike.
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**Note:** The dates provided (1865-1911) are incorrect for Remedios Varo. She was born in 1908 and passed away in 1963.