What is maruja mallo?

Maruja Mallo was a Spanish painter and key figure in the Surrealist movement in Spain. She was born in Viveiro, Galicia in 1902 and later moved to Madrid to study at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando.

Mallo was known for her vibrant and imaginative use of color, as well as her unique style that blended elements of Surrealism with Spanish cultural themes. She was also influenced by avant-garde movements such as Cubism and Expressionism.

Mallo was active in the Spanish art scene in the 1920s and 1930s, collaborating with other prominent artists like Salvador Dalí and Federico García Lorca. However, her career was later disrupted by the Spanish Civil War and the subsequent dictatorship of Francisco Franco. Due to her political beliefs and work as a feminist, Mallo was forced into exile in Argentina.

Despite these challenges, Mallo continued to create art throughout her life, experimenting with new techniques and styles. She passed away in Madrid in 1995, leaving behind a rich legacy of innovative and thought-provoking artwork. Today, her work is celebrated for its boldness, creativity, and contribution to the development of Spanish Surrealism.