Phantoms of Surrealism

Fascinating small exhibition at the Whitechapel Gallery on the women involved with the surrealist movement.

It took as its starting point Sheila Legge show stood in Trafalgar Square on 11 June 1936 with her head covered in red roses to launch the International Surrealism Exhibition and them discussed the other women who were involved with that show and Artists International Association show in 1939. The women of this movement are often overshadowed by the men but this show highlighted the female artists political campaigners, committee secretaries and organisers.

Along the way I met some amazing characters such as Grace Pailthorpe who had been an surgeon in the First World War, a criminologist and an artist. I loved the fact the show included the receipt book of the 1936 exhibition as well as committee minutes.

The centre piece of the show was a lovely miniature recreation of the 1936 show by Corelia Hughes showing both rooms of the show complete with Legge in her roses and Salvador Dali’s diving helmet as well as showing all the art work in their correct hang. A real glimpse into a past event. I hope I would have been brave enough to go.

Closes 12 December 2021

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