The artwork “Birthday” by Dorothea Tanning, created in 1942, is emblematic of the Surrealism movement and is categorized as a symbolic painting. Surrealism is known for its exploration of the unconscious mind and dream-like imagery.
“Birthday” features a self-portrait of the artist in a setting that is both fantastical and symbolic. Tanning is depicted standing in a series of open doorways that stretch into an unknown distance, creating an infinite regress effect. She is wearing an exuberant costume, with a skirt resembling organic growths, perhaps seaweed or foliage, and a top with one exposed breast, which might carry symbolic weight related to personal identity, vulnerability, or even fertility.
Next to Tanning, there is a small winged creature, resembling both a lemur and a mythological being, gazing up at her. This element adds to the enigmatic and surreal atmosphere of the scene. The open doors suggest endless possibilities or the layers of the psyche, a common theme in surreal art where doorways often represent the passage between different realms of consciousness.
The painting captures the spirit of Surrealism with its dream-like tableau, juxtaposition of incongruous elements, and rich symbolism, prompting a range of interpretations from viewers.
