The artwork titled “Valley of the Moon” was created by Remedios Varo in 1950. As an exemplar of the Surrealism movement, this artwork falls within the genre of landscape. Surrealism is known for its exploration of the unconscious mind and the representation of dream-like scenes beyond the ordinary.
The artwork depicts a fantastical landscape, rich with symbolism and a sense of otherworldly mystery. Prominent within the composition are various shades of warm reds and browns, creating a sense of depth and drama. The scene is set against a backdrop of towering mountain forms that rise steeply, their peaks fading into a twilight sky.
Foregrounded in this dreamlike terrain are ethereal creatures that bear resemblance to white deer, sporting elongate limbs and seeming to possess a serene sense of being. They graze amidst a vibrant flora, characterized by elongated leaves and fronds in hues of red, orange, and yellow. Interspersed with these fantastic beasts are birds, their white plumage contrasting starkly with the fiery tones of the vegetation.
Central to the composition is a stark white full moon, suspended low in the sky, casting an otherworldly glow over the scene. The moon enhances the mystical atmosphere of the artwork, lending an air of tranquility and magic to the valley it overlooks.
The overall effect of the artwork is one of tranquil alien beauty, with a strong undercurrent of the surreal and the magical. Varo’s “Valley of the Moon” invites viewers to step into a realm that defies conventional reality, evoking a sense of curiosity and wonder at the imagined mysteries hidden within its surreal landscape.
