Foret 

Léonor Fini created this painting, Foret, with oils. The materiality of oil paints allowed Fini to build up layers of texture, creating a dense surface. The way she applied the paint, with visible brushstrokes and a somewhat gritty, earthy palette, gives the artwork a feeling of being rooted in nature. The figures emerge from this organic background, their forms blending with the surrounding environment. This evokes a sense of mystery and timelessness. Fini had no formal art training. Her embrace of the surrealist movement set her apart from traditional artistic paths. She was a self-taught artist, and her unique vision challenged conventional notions of beauty and femininity. Ultimately, by focusing on materials and making, we can see how Fini questioned the established norms of the art world. This piece invites us to reconsider the boundaries between art and craft, and appreciate the importance of individuality and self-expression.