The artwork “Disturbing Presence” by Remedios Varo, created in 1959, belongs to the Surrealism movement and is categorized as a symbolic painting. It exemplifies the Surrealist approach to visual expression, where fantastical and dream-like elements blend with reality to evoke a world beyond the conventional.
In the artwork, one observes a captivating scene that teems with the ethereal and mysterious aura characteristic of Varo’s work. At first glance, the painting portrays a solitary figure engaged in an activity at a wooden table. However, upon closer inspection, one becomes aware of an unusual and otherworldly element: a second, phantom-like face emerging from behind the figure, peering out with a contemplative expression. The figure at the table, clothed in a flowing, robe-like garment, seems engrossed in her task, possibly unaware of the spectral visage behind her.
The environment in which these characters are situated is equally intriguing. The space is defined by tall, vertical structures reminiscent of towering architectural columns devoid of any ornate detail, contributing to an atmosphere of isolation and solemnity. Bare tree branches that seem to grow from the ground and float upward add a delicate touch of life to the otherwise stark surroundings. The floor is tessellated, and delicate, sinuous lines swirl around it, lending a dynamic element that contrasts with the rigidity of the background structures.
Characteristic of Varo’s style, the depiction of textures and materials — from the wooden elements of the chair and table to the folds in the clothing — reflects meticulous attention to detail, and the use of light and shadow creates a sense of depth and three-dimensionality. Overall, “Disturbing Presence” is a fine example of how Varo’s artwork challenges viewers to explore the boundaries between reality and illusion, the conscious and the subconscious.
