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Leonor

Leonor Fini, who has died in Paris, aged eighty-seven
Could justifiably be called the last to go up to a surrealist heaven
Born in Buenos Aires of Italian and Slav parentage, she was brought up in Trieste
In the circle of James Joyce and Rainer Maria Rilke.

She moved to Paris in 1931 and quickly was received enthusiastically
Some say that it had more to do with her improper sense of dress than her
talent or her diligence
She joined the cafe meetings of Breton and Cartier Bresson, Max Ernst, Paul
Eluard, Georges Bataille
Their misogyny really irritated her but she wasn't one to let it cramp her
style

At the outbreak of war, Leonor moved to Monte Carlo and fell in love with a count who was in the service
of the fascists
She persuaded him to leave and later on she fell in love again
And the three of them set up house and lived forty years as friends

They say that she created an erotic dream world where women are disguised as
the sphinx
The image of the female self subverting the male's dialogue with his dick.

Superb food, prepared by her constant companion, chef and secretary,
Rafael Martinez, would be served, also shared with her 18 exotic cats
All encouraged to roam and help themselves.
Woe betide the visitor who tried to intervene.
Leonor Fini remained her own person, an independent woman of great talent
And presence, to the end.

- Katell Keineg, Jet

As I recall, Ms. Keineg read Leonor Fini’s obituary in The Guardian, then set it to music. I heard it played on CKUA Radio, and ran right out and bought the CD and LOVED it. Still do, and it’s been years; a unique and beautiful collection of songs. I never tire of it. She’s a storyteller singer.

For a fine example of how music and a singer like Keineg bring the written word to life, go find this song (or any songs on this CD) somewhere and have a listen.

I wish I knew how to have it playing in the background while you were reading this. But I don’t.

Leonor Fini
a gallery
a bio
more