The ladies at Bonhuer 

Editor: This oil painting is titled "The Ladies at Bonheur" by Remedios Varo. It gives off this really intriguing yet slightly unsettling atmosphere. The figures, almost bird-like, are on wheels… What do you see in this piece? Curator: The work definitely resonates with unsettling surrealism, typical of Varo. Looking through a historical lens, Varo's escape from Europe during World War II profoundly impacted her work. These fantastical creatures, these "ladies," as you call them, seem to navigate a claustrophobic, institution-like space. Notice the sign "Au Bonheur des Citoyens" - it sarcastically contrasts the supposed happiness promised by societal structures with the actual feeling of alienation. Doesn't it seem like they are trapped in a cycle, constantly moving yet never truly progressing? Editor: That’s interesting… it is kind of like they’re perpetually performing. Do you think there's a specific commentary about the roles of women here? Curator: Absolutely, think about the social expectations placed upon women. These figures, adorned in elaborate yet restrictive costumes, may represent the performance of femininity, or perhaps a veiled critique of bourgeois society. Varo questions the very institutions promising happiness while trapping individuals in rigid social roles, especially women. Editor: That connection hadn’t occurred to me before! It adds so many more layers to their rather peculiar modes of transportation and strange garments. It's less of a fantastical image and more a form of subtle socio-political critique. Curator: Precisely. And thinking about it further, don't you see a similarity to medieval allegories or even carnival figures where costumes often satirize social norms and behaviours? Varo, while a surrealist, pulls from diverse historical tropes. Editor: Seeing it through the lens of societal expectations and historical tropes gives a greater understanding of the political aspect that's embedded within its odd beauty. Curator: And hopefully encourages us to reflect upon the ongoing performance in our own lives.