When the eclectic English poet, artist and Surrealist-movement patron, Edward James, put himself in “semi exile” back in 1947, few thought he would create a magical garden to inspire imagination and intrigue. Born to immense wealth, he shunned the lifestyle he grew up in and he befriended multiple artists, supporting their efforts. Among his friends, he counted Picasso, Stravinsky and Dalí who, at the time, were merely “starving artists”.
The jungles of Mexico beckoned James, thus he abandoned the sophistication of New York, Paris and Hollywood. He lived in Xiltla and began building one of the 20th century’s biggest (and least known) Surrealist monuments.
Initially, James planted hundreds of orchid plants; but a frost ten years in destroyed many. Starting over, he began to build his sculpture garden; 20 years later he had acquired 36 Surrealist-inspired concrete sculptures spread out over more than 20 acres of overgrown, tropical jungle.
Quite extraordinary, Las Pozas was what really made Edward James an “artist”!
One of the 36 Surrealist life-sized structures at Las Pozas.
Image courtesy of: International Educator Interviews
Even fashion magazines are drawn to this magical locale. Here W Magazine photographs Tilda Swinton with one of the sculptures.
Image courtesy of: W Magazine