AUDIOGUIDES
BAMBINI
-
IntroductionWelcome to the exhibition "I am Leonor Fini"! The title of this exhibition is a phrase spoken by the artist herself, a way of saying who she was with confidence and without fear. Here you will discover the story of an extraordinary woman, who lived in many different places and always followed her creativity without being influenced by others. Leonor Fini was not only a painter, but also a writer, a set designer and a stylist who worked with theatre and fashion. As you walk through this space, look at the photographs of Leonor: you will notice her intense and mysterious gaze, her unusual clothes and her beloved cats. She loved to be photographed in an original way, as if she were part of a work of art. Leonor was born in Buenos Aires in 1907, but lived in Trieste as a child. Trieste was a city full of different languages, cultures and ideas, and this made her imagination very lively. She always lived in an environment full of art and interesting people, which inspired her to draw from childhood. Growing up, she moved first to Milan and then to Paris, where she met other famous artists. In Paris she met the Surrealists, artists who painted dreams and strange worlds. Although she had things in common with them, Leonor wanted to be free to follow her own style, without labels. That is why she created an art of her own, which mixes the past with the present and imagines a future full of fantastic creatures. This exhibition will take you on a journey through her art and her life, discovering paintings, drawings, costumes, set designs and photographs. Each work is a piece of her story and her way of seeing the world. Are you ready to begin? Let's enter the first room now, entitled "Primal Scenes"!
-
Room 1: Primal ScenesThis room tells the story of Leonor Fini's childhood memories, those that inspired her throughout her life. Look closely at "Orange Sphinx / Winged Sphinx" (1973). The sphinx, with its lioness body and woman's face, is a subject that Leonor Fini has painted many times, almost as if it were her alter ego. As a child, when she lived in Trieste, she was fascinated by these mythological creatures, particularly by a large pink stone sphinx at Miramare Castle. For her, this figure represented strength, mystery and freedom. Notice the bright orange colour of this sphinx: it conveys energy and power. Its outstretched wings seem ready to carry it far away, into a magical and unknown world. Now look at "Travellers at Rest" (1978). The figures in this painting seem immersed in their thoughts, surrounded by a landscape that seems ancient and mysterious. This painting tells us about a very important experience in Leonor's life: as a teenager, for a while, she could not see well because of an eye disease. In those days, she learned to perceive the world in a different way, relying on touch and sounds. Perhaps you too, by closing your eyes, can imagine experiencing the world only through sounds and skin sensations. This experience changed her way of creating art forever, leading her to paint worlds suspended between dream and reality.
-
Room 2: The Beginnings of a WorldThe second room takes us to the beginnings of Leonor Fini's career and her relationship with the Surrealists, a group of artists who created dream-inspired images. Although she was fascinated by their style, Leonor did not want to be part of any particular movement: she wanted to paint in her own way! Look at "Self-Portrait with Owl" (1936). Here Leonor depicts herself with an owl on her shoulder, an animal associated with wisdom and mystery. Her gaze is intense, almost as if she wants to challenge the viewer. This painting is very important because it shows Leonor as a strong woman, aware of her talent and ready to explore unknown worlds with her art. The owl also recalls her love of animals: cats, birds and other creatures were often present in her life and paintings. Now let's move on to "The White Weapon" (1936). Here we see two women in a kind of duel: one wears a mask and wields a sword, while the other, more vulnerable, seems to succumb. The scene is full of tension: who is winning? Actually, this image represents the struggle for independence and freedom. Leonor believed that women should not only be inspiring muses for artists, but protagonists of their own stories. With this painting, she tells us that female strength can take many forms, not always visible at first glance.
-
Room 3: The Ends of the WorldThis room takes us into a darker and more mysterious world, which tells of difficult moments and life's challenges. Look at "The Ends of the World" (1948). In this painting we see a woman emerging from dark, dense water. Around her are skulls and scattered objects, while the sky behind her is on fire, as if something terrible is happening. But she does not look frightened: she has a calm, confident, almost defiant look. This image represents strength and the ability to face even the most difficult situations without giving up. Leonor painted this work after a very difficult time in her life: an operation that changed her body forever. For her, this woman emerging from the water could represent her own rebirth, the desire to move forward despite the pain. Now let's look at "The Great Root" (1943-1950). Here we see a huge, twisted root that almost seems to come to life. The shape is not accidental: it has an almost human appearance, as if it were a creature of nature. This painting tells of the strength of the earth and of life, which can resist even in the most difficult moments. Leonor painted it while living on a wild island, far from the war. Here she found inspiration in nature, in its secrets and in its ability to survive even in the most hostile places.
-
Room 4: LiaisonsThis room tells us about relationships, friendship and emotional ties, themes that Leonor Fini explored in an original and personal way in her works. She did not believe in the rules imposed by society and lived by her own ideas, surrounded by artist and intellectual friends. Let's observe "The Alcove (Self-Portrait with Nico Papatakis)". The work shows a dimly lit room, a very intimate place. A man lies on a large four-poster bed and sleeps soundly, while Leonor, dressed in dark clothes, watches him closely. The atmosphere is mysterious: who is in control of the scene? Usually in classical paintings men are represented as strong and dominant, but here Leonor reverses the roles. She is the one observing, while the man appears vulnerable and serene in his sleep. The painting invites us to think about the different ways in which relationships between people can be lived. Let's now move on to "Self-Portrait with Kot and Sergio". In this painting, Leonor portrays herself at the centre of the scene, dressed and proud, while two men lie at her feet. She looks directly at the viewer, with a confident and determined expression. The two men, on the other hand, seem calm and in a waiting position, as if to show that men too can be portrayed differently from the usual images of strength and power. This painting represents Leonor's freedom to live and represent relationships in a new way, without following traditional rules.
-
Room 5: Incomparable NarcissusThis room leads us to discover how Leonor Fini saw the human body, particularly the male body, in a different way than usual. In her paintings, men are not always portrayed as strong and authoritative figures, but often appear delicate, thoughtful or mysterious. Let's observe "Portrait of Nico Papatakis" (1942). Nico Papatakis, an actor and Leonor's partner, is depicted lying on the ground, completely naked. His expression is intense, almost enigmatic, and his body does not seem to represent strength or power, but rather fragility and beauty. Leonor wanted to show a new way of looking at men, going beyond the usual stereotypes. The natural environment around him, with leaves scattered on the ground and a soft light, creates a dreamlike atmosphere, inviting us to think about the depth of the human soul. Let's move on to "Unrivalled Narcissus" (1971). This painting depicts a male figure with delicate features and a slender, sinuous body. The young man lies on his side, almost like an ancient statue or a mythological deity. His gaze seems lost in a distant thought, immersed in a world of his own. The background is undefined, almost unreal, creating a feeling of suspension in time. Leonor Fini loved to represent beauty in a new way, without precise boundaries between male and female. Her paintings invite us to see beauty in different ways and not to stop at the usual images we see every day.
-
Room 6: Archetypes of Female PowerThis room leads us to discover how Leonor Fini saw women: no longer simple muses or delicate figures, but strong, independent and even mysterious protagonists. The women in her paintings are not only to be admired, but have an active, decisive and powerful role. Observe "The Alcove / The Black Room" (1940). The scene is set in a dimly lit room, a place that seems to hide secrets. Three elegantly dressed women are at the centre of the painting. One of them lies on a bed, while the other two seem to be watching over her. The dark colours and the suspended atmosphere create a sense of mystery: what are doing? Leonor loved to paint relationships between women in a deep and complex way, showing friendship, protection and complicity. Now let's look at "Woman in Armour II" (1938). Here we see a young woman wearing a suit of armour. Usually, in art, armour is a symbol of strength and power reserved for men, but Leonor overturns this image. Her warrior is proud, self-confident and ready to face any challenge. This painting tells us about the courage of women and their ability to protect themselves and face the world without fear. Finally, let's observe "Sphinx" (circa 1950). The sphinx, half woman and half lioness, returns as a key symbol in Leonor's art. In this painting, it appears in profile, with an enigmatic expression and a regal bearing. Its body is strong and sinuous, representing power and pride, but also mystery and wisdom. The sphinx is not a fearsome monster, but a guardian of knowledge and destiny, a being that holds deep secrets. With these works, Leonor wanted to show that femininity is not only sweetness and grace, but also strength, intelligence and independence.
-
Room 7: Rituals, Ceremonies, and MetamorphosesThis room takes us into the world of magic, transformation and mysterious rites, themes that fascinated Leonor Fini. Look at "The Guardian of the Phoenixes" (1954). At the centre of the painting is a woman holding a large egg in her hands. This egg is special: it represents birth, change and the possibility of something new. Behind her, the landscape seems to be burning, as if everything is changing and transforming into something new. The phoenix, a magical bird that is reborn from its ashes, is a symbol of this transformation. Leonor loved the idea that nothing really disappears, but that everything can be reborn in a new form. Let's move on to "The Ceremony" (1960). This painting seems to show a secret rite: two women wrapped in a red cloth are doing something important, surrounded by mysterious symbols. The dark sky and the moon give a sense of magic and mystery. Look at the masks they are wearing: the mask is an object that allows you to change identity, to transform yourself into someone else. Leonor was fascinated by these rituals, by the secrets of nature and by the possibility of discovering hidden worlds. Through these works, Leonor invites us to imagine a magical world, where nothing is as it seems and everything can change in an instant.
-
Room 8: Stage or BoudoirThis room is dedicated to Leonor Fini's passion for theatre and fashion, two worlds in which she left her mark with her creativity and unique style. Observe "Anthropomorphic Wardrobe" (1939). At first glance it looks like a wardrobe, but it is actually much more. Its doors are shaped like a female body and the interior is lined with pink satin. It is not just a piece of furniture, but a work of art that transforms an ordinary object into something special and surprising. This wardrobe was created to store a collection of gloves designed by Leonor, demonstrating how for her art could be present even in everyday objects. Now look at Schiaparelli's "Shocking" (1937). This perfume has a very unusual bottle: it is modelled on the bust of actress Mae West, a famous Hollywood diva. The shape is sensual and fascinating, just like the clothes created by stylist Elsa Schiaparelli. Leonor and Schiaparelli were two unconventional and visionary women, who combined fashion and art to create unique and unforgettable objects. Finally, let's focus on the sketches for the costumes of Tannhäuser (1963), designed by Leonor for the Opéra de Paris. The stage costumes had to be spectacular and full of detail, and Leonor was able to create wonderful, dreamlike clothes, perfect for the world of music and theatre. This room shows us another side of her talent: the ability to transform fabric, colours and shapes into true works of art.
-
Room 9: PersonaThe last room tells us about Leonor Fini not only as an artist, but also as a person. Leonor loved to create a unique character around herself: the way she dressed, photographed and painted herself was part of her identity. Look at "Self-Portrait with Red Hat" (1968). Here Leonor portrays herself with a large red hat framing her face. Her gaze is strong, almost a challenge to the viewer. The dark colours around her make her face and hat stand out even more, giving a sense of theatricality and mystery. For Leonor, dressing in a particular way and being photographed in unusual poses was a way of expressing her uniqueness. Now look at the photographs on display in this room. You will see Leonor in many moments of her life: with her artist friends, with her beloved cats, in elegant and original clothes. She liked to transform herself, change her image and play with her identity, as if her life were also a work of art. These images tell us about a woman who never wanted to follow the rules imposed by others, but always chose to be herself, with courage and creativity.
-
ConclusionThe exhibition "I am Leonor Fini" ends here. I hope this journey into her world has fascinated you and made you discover the talent and personality of this extraordinary artist. Leonor Fini painted, wrote, created costumes and objects, but above all she lived with freedom. She never let others tell her what to do or how to be, and she always followed her imagination. The title of the exhibition, "I am Leonor Fini", is a strong statement: it means knowing who you are and not being afraid to show it. This is an important message for us too: we can all express our personality and creativity, without fear of being different. Thank you for visiting the exhibition! If you want to find out more about Leonor Fini, at the exit you will find the bookshop and you can visit the museum website for further information.