S1 EP 10: A Femininomenon! Surrealism Done Right by Dorothea Tanning

Step into the dreamlike world of Dorothea Tanning, one of the most visionary yet often overlooked artists of the Surrealist movement. In this episode of Articulated, we explore how Tanning navigated the male-dominated circles of Surrealism, transforming her art into a powerful statement of feminist resistance and self-expression. From her early works like Birthday to later abstract pieces, we trace how Tanning’s paintings blur the boundaries between reality and the subconscious, body and mind, autonomy and control. Along the way, we uncover her complex relationships with fellow artists such as Max Ernst and examine how her legacy continues to challenge our understanding of gender and creativity. This episode invites listeners to see Surrealism not just as a dreamscape, but as a battleground for ideas about freedom, identity, and the radical potential of the imagination.