The artwork titled “Towards The Tower” by Remedios Varo is a notable example of Surrealism, a movement known for its dreamlike imagery and exploration of the unconscious mind. Falling within the symbolic painting genre, it communicates themes and concepts through symbolic figures and landscapes.
The artwork depicts a procession of robed, androgynous figures, each seated on a bicycle, moving towards a central tower structure composed of multiple reddish brick spires. The central figure in the foreground, presumably a guide or leader of sorts, is the only one not on a bicycle and is instead depicted walking, holding a sort of staff or baton. This central character’s face is enigmatic, with an elongated shape and indistinct features that evoke a sense of mystery and otherworldliness.
To the left, a hunched figure with an exposed muscular back is perched atop a similar bicycle, pushing the rest of the group forward. This figure appears to be exerting physical effort and can be interpreted as a force driving the movement of the others. The setting of the artwork imbues it with a somber and contemplative atmosphere. The background is filled with barren trees and a twilight or pre-dawn sky, suggesting a transitional time of day and perhaps symbolizing a transition or journey in a metaphorical sense.
Each figure’s countenance is uniformly pale and expressionless, which alongside their identical robes, implies a collective identity or shared purpose. The precise meaning of these elements is open to interpretation but seems to allude to themes of conformity, guidance, spiritual quest, or intellectual pursuit.
The tower itself looms in the midground, possessing an architectural form that is both fantastical and grounded. Its multiple peaks and windows suggest it as a destination or place of significance, with the warm hue of its brickwork juxtaposing the cooler tones of the figures and the surrounding environment.
The birds and the leafless trees introduce a natural element into an otherwise structured and ordered scene, adding a layer of complexity to the visual narrative. Ultimately, the artwork invites the viewer into a richly layered and mystical tableau, characteristic of the depth and symbolism often found in Varo’s contributions to the Surrealist movement.
