Surrealism and Witchcraft exhibition

Surrealism and Witchcraft: An Exhibition Review

The LAMB Gallery’s latest exhibition, Surrealism and Witchcraft, features the works of 11 female artists who use Surrealism’s imaginative and dreamlike techniques to explore themes of witchcraft, spirituality, and the female experience.

The exhibition opens with Leonora Carrington’s “Chapeau sport” (c. 1955), a painting that is both haunting and beautiful. Carrington, who was a member of the Surrealist movement in the 1930s, is known for her dreamlike imagery and her exploration of the subconscious mind. In “Chapeau sport,” a strange and otherworldly figure wears a hat made of animal bones. The figure’s eyes are wide and staring, and its mouth is open in a silent scream. The painting is both unsettling and captivating, and it sets the tone for the rest of the exhibition

Harriet Gillett’s “The Hex” (2023) is a playful and humorous take on the theme of witchcraft. The painting features a group of women performing a hex, and it is full of bright colors and whimsical imagery. Gillett’s use of Surrealism’s techniques creates a sense of magic and wonder.

The exhibition also includes works by Alma Berrow, Bea Bonafini, Arianne Hughes, Tali Lennox, Nooka Shepherd, Paula Turmina, Sophie von Hellermann, and Georg Wilson. Each artist brings her own unique perspective to the theme of Surrealism and witchcraft, and the result is a diverse and compelling exhibition.

Surrealism and Witchcraft is a must-see exhibition for anyone interested in Surrealism, witchcraft, or the female experience. The exhibition is on view at the LAMB Gallery in London until December 20, 2023.