The artwork “As the Volante” was created by artist Remedios Varo in 1962 and is a seminal piece representing the Surrealist movement. This symbolic painting encapsulates the quintessential elements of Surrealism, a movement characterized by its exploration of the unconscious mind and dream-like scenarios that challenge the conventions of reality.
The artwork depicts a humanoid figure with an enigmatic expression, wearing eyeglasses that accentuate its wide-eyed gaze. The subject is seated in what appears to be a carriage composed of an assemblage of wheels, which creates a sense of movement. The figure’s head seems to be merging with, or emerging from, a fiery backdrop that evokes the essence of a large, burning flame or a vibrant natural element resembling an autumnal tree. The stark contrast between the mechanical aspects of the carriage and the organic fluidity of the backdrop highlights a duality—one that is central to Varo’s work, often marrying the fantastical with the methodical.
The color palette of the artwork is dominated by warm tones juxtaposed with the cool, subdued colors of the figure and its carriage. The ambiguous fusion of elements and the melding of landscapes with the ethereal characterize not only this artwork, but also Remedios Varo’s unique contribution to the Surrealist movement. Her work often weaves together themes of nature, alchemy, science, and mysticism, creating a universe that invites viewers to decipher its esoteric symbolism.
