Dorothea Tanning

Dorothea Tanning was an influential American painter, printmaker, sculptor, writer, and poet who left an indelible mark on the Surrealist movement. Born in 1910 in Galesburg, Illinois, Tanning's early interest in art was evident from her childhood. She studied briefly at the Art Institute of Chicago before moving to New York City, where she immersed herself in the vibrant artistic and literary scene.

In the early 1940s Tanning discovered Surrealism. Her first major solo exhibition was in 1944, which marked the beginning of her lifelong association with the movement. Her imaginative, dream-like compositions explore the boundaries of reality and fantasy.

One of Tanning’s most famous paintings, Eine Kleine Nachtmusik (1943, Tate Collection, London), exemplifies her unique style. The painting captures the eerie, otherworldly quality that characterises much of her work, blending elements of childhood innocence with unsettling, surreal imagery.

Throughout her career, Tanning’s art evolved, incorporating various mediums and themes. Her early paintings were marked by meticulous detail and rich symbolism, while her later works embraced abstraction and a freer form of expression. Dorothea Tanning paintings are celebrated for their ability to evoke complex emotions and provoke thought, often delving into themes of identity, transformation, and the subconscious.

A seminal painting in Dorothea Tanning’s oeuvre, Le mal oubliémarks a turning point and the beginning of a new phase for the artist. Often referred to as prismatic or kaleidoscopic, this innovative mature period is a true departure from earlier applications of Surrealism. In the mid-1950s and commencing with this picture, Tanning adopts a new vocabulary inching closer to abstraction, focusing less on detailed fantastical scenes in favour of freer, multicoloured compositions. The painting sold at Christie’s New York in 2022 for US$1,440,000 — a world auction record for the artist.

Tanning’s partnership with German Surrealist Max Ernst, whom she married in 1946, was a significant influence on her work. The couple lived and worked together in Sedona, Arizona, and later in France, where they created a nurturing environment for artistic exploration. Despite Ernst’s influence, Tanning developed a distinct voice and style that set her apart in the Surrealist movement.

In her later years, Tanning’s art continued to evolve, with a focus on sculpture and installation. Her works from this period often explored themes of space, form and the human body in innovative ways. Tanning remained active and creatively vibrant well into her 90s before her passing in 2012, a testament to her enduring passion for art.

Dorothea Tanning’s contributions to Surrealism and modern art are celebrated for their originality, depth, and emotional resonance, ensuring her place as a pivotal figure in the history of modern art.