The artwork titled “Born Again” is a creation of the surrealist artist Remedios Varo. As a work that represents the Surrealism movement, it is classified under the genre of symbolic painting. The artwork serves as a manifestation of Varo’s vivid imagination, reflecting the surrealist objective of expressing the unconscious mind.
In this enigmatic composition, one encounters a scene steeped in otherworldly qualities and rich in symbolism. The central figure emerges from within a tree or a wooden encasement, with human-like features but portrayed in a transformative state, perhaps suggesting a process of metamorphosis or rebirth, as the title implies. The figure’s wide eyes and tentative gesture towards the goblet suggest a sense of wonder or discovery.
The goblet, placed on a rustic, tripod-like table, holds what seems to be a cosmos or night sky swirl, adding to the mystique and drawing attention to themes of infinity and the universe contained within finite objects. The background suggests an interior space within a tree or a chamber in nature, with the checkerboard floor offering a grounding contrast to the organic forms. Above, a crescent moon overlooks the scene, lending a nocturnal and dream-like quality, further enhancing the surreal and symbolic ambiance of the artwork.
The intricate details and textures of the tree bark, with its various shades and tones, juxtapose the smoothness of the figure’s skin, symbolizing a possible connectivity between organic life and the mysteries it holds. Every element of this painting works cohesively to engage viewers in a narrative that is both enigmatic and thought-provoking, characteristic of Varo’s surrealist vision, which often explored themes of alchemy, mysticism, and inner transformation.
