Toyen: dreaming in the margins

Richard Saltoun Gallery presents Dreaming in the Margins: Toyen, the first UK exhibition devoted to one of the most extraordinary women artists of the Surrealist movement, whose reputation and critical reappraisal have risen dramatically in recent years. Recognized one of the most enigmatic and fiercely independent figures in Surrealism, Toyen (1902–1980) was born Marie Čermínová in Prague. She adopted a gender-neutral identity early in life, rejecting societal conventions – a position reflected throughout her work and public persona.

Toyen was a central figure in both the pre war formation of Surrealism in Prague with the Devestil Group and later in post war Paris with the Surrealists. Her workin Prague with Jindřich Štyrský, and later with Jindřich Heisler, were regarded by André Breton as quintessential contributions to the Surrealist movement. Their friendship and creative exchange endured until his death, after which Toyen moved into his former studio at 42 Rue Fontaine, where she lived until her own death in 1980.

This exhibition brings into focus the depth and breadth of Toyen’s graphic work – including illustrated books, prints, drawings, catalogues and archival materials – making it one of the most comprehensive presentations of this part of her oeuvre ever compiled. The exhibits are drawn entirely from a single-owner collection.

With the outbreak of the Second World War, Toyen remained in Nazi-occupied Prague. Following the death of Štyrský in 1942, she entered into a close creative and personal partnership with the poet Jindřich Heisler, who was living in hiding as a Jewish writer. Toyen sheltered Heisler in her apartment for the entire war – an act of profound solidarity and resistance. In 1947, Toyen relocated permanently to Paris with Heisler, and became one of the few women deeply involved in Surrealism’s post war resurgence. In the final two decades of her life, Toyen formed a deep artistic and intellectual bond with the poet, philosopher and fellow Surrealist, Annie Le Brun.

Free entry. Opening times: Tues-Fri, 10am-6pm, Saturdays 11am-5pm. 

Image copyright the estate of the artist