On the 100th anniversary of Surrealism, the article highlights the belated recognition of Leonor Fini (1907–1996), a self-taught artist who rejected labels such as 'Surrealist' or 'woman artist.' Despite her insistence on being seen simply as an artist, her sensual, mythological paintings are gaining renewed attention. Fini debuted in 1929, was featured in the 2022 Venice Biennale, and had a solo exhibition at Kasmin gallery in New York. Her market high came in 2021 when a self-portrait sold for $2.3 million at Sotheby's, and her work is now included in the centennial surrealist show 'Imagine!' at the Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Belgium.
This resurgence matters because it reflects a broader shift in the art world toward embracing multidisciplinary, emotionally charged, and magical elements that were previously marginalized in favor of conceptual purity. Fini's refusal to align with any movement or group, which contributed to her historical underappreciation, now positions her as a prescient figure whose work resonates with contemporary audiences. Her growing market value and institutional recognition signal a correction of art historical oversight and a greater openness to diverse artistic voices.