Description
In Remedios Varo's work "Laboratory", we find ourselves before a scene that mixes surrealism with an almost scientific approach to magic and alchemy. The painting reveals a space filled with elements that seem to function with their own logic, an environment where the natural and the supernatural coexist without conflict.
The painting takes place in an antique laboratory setting, with dark wood and earthy tones dominating the scene, giving a sense of antiquity and mysticism. In the centre, a metal structure with tubes and containers transports liquids from one place to another, perhaps symbolising the transmutation of elements or the search for hidden knowledge.
On the left, a female figure with plant features emerges from a pot, suggesting an intrinsic link between the human and the vegetal, a recurring theme in Varo's work that explores the union of nature and human beings. On the far right, other alchemical elements are cooked over a fire, while in the back, a window subtly illuminates the scene, adding a touch of hope or revelation.
“Laboratory” is a prime example of how Varo used her art to explore themes of transformation and introspection. The work is a testament to her ability to weave complex, thought-provoking narratives about our own quest for knowledge and the relationship between science, magic, and personal discovery.