Envision a crocodile boat sailing down Mexico City’s Paseo de la Reforma. That’s La Leonardita Sculpture. This bronze sculpture weighs five tons. It is a bizarre yet captivating sight.
La Leonardita was created by Leonora Carrington. She was an English surrealist artist. Carrington is well-known in Mexico. She is largely forgotten in Europe. She donated La Leonardita to Mexico City in 2000.
Carrington was born in 1917 in Lancashire. She was the daughter of a wealthy industrialist. As a child, she had a rebellious nature. She cared little for Edwardian society’s conventions. Leonora’s passion for art was evident early on.
Despite her father’s efforts, Carrington was drawn to art. She was drawn to the surrealism movement. This movement swept across 1930s Europe.
Carrington became a painter. Her work was exhibited in New York. Her life changed after meeting Max Ernst. He was a famous German surrealist painter. They met at the International Surrealist Exhibition in London in 1937. They soon became lovers.
During World War II, Ernst was detained. He later escaped to the United States. Carrington stayed behind. She went to Spain to escape. She then planned to return to England.
Escaping from France took a toll on Carrington. She suffered a mental breakdown. She was sent to an asylum. After being released, she went to Lisbon. There, she escaped her nurse and sought refuge in the Mexican embassy. She met Renato Leduc. He was the Mexican ambassador and a friend of Pablo Picasso. They arranged a marriage of convenience. This allowed Carrington to travel to Mexico. She received immunity as a diplomat’s wife. She spent years creating art. She split her time between New York and Mexico. Carrington died in 2011. She was 94 years old.
La Leonardita features five crocodilian beasts. They ride in a crocodile-headed boat. Another crocodile propels the boat. This sculpture reflects Carrington’s surrealist style. It embodies her unique perspective.
As you stand here, consider Carrington’s journey. She transformed personal turmoil into powerful art. La Leonardita stands as a testament to her life. It represents her artistic vision. Take a moment to appreciate this strange yet captivating work. It’s a lasting gift to Mexico City. It is free for all to see.