The artwork titled “Three Symbols,” created by Eileen Agar in 1930, employs oil on canvas. This symbolic painting is an exemplar of the Surrealism movement and is currently housed in the Tate Modern, London, UK.
In “Three Symbols,” a surrealistic dreamscape dominates the canvas, filled with enigmatic and abstract forms that challenge conventional interpretations. The upper section features a prominent figure that amalgamates elements of humanoid and mechanical forms with circular and rectangular patterns, accentuated in vibrant hues of red, yellow, and white, evoking a sense of otherworldliness. Surrounding this figure are varied abstract shapes and forms that float within a nebulous, pastel-colored background. A nuanced interplay of muted tones in pinks, blues, and greens creates a celestial ambiance. The lower portion of the artwork introduces a striking contrast with a structured depiction of an industrial bridge, meticulously rendered with geometric precision in darker tones, grounding the ethereal forms above. This juxtaposition of the abstract and the concrete encapsulates the essence of Surrealism and demonstrates Agar’s adeptness at merging dreamlike visions with tangible reality.
