Resurrection

Author: Sofía Bassi

Title: Resurrección, ELC [En la Cárcel] (Resurrection [In Jail])

Date: 1971

Material: Oil on wood

Dimensions: 27.2 × 15.7 inches

Location: Private collection

Rights: Sofía Bassi Foundation

Resurrection exemplifies Sofía Bassi’s exploration of esoteric themes, merging mystical symbolism with her signature surrealist aesthetic. The central figure, faceless yet crowned with an aureole of flame-like energy, embodies a state of metamorphosis—an ascension from darkness into enlightenment. The contrast between the fiery halo and the void at the figure’s core evokes the alchemical process of purification and transcendence, hinting at themes of death, rebirth, and the dissolution of the self.

Rendered in deep ochres and earthy tones, the painting’s texture and composition suggest a ritualistic transformation, while the presence of a shadowy, embryonic form in the lower section reinforces the cyclical nature of existence. The darkened background, punctuated by geometric elements, creates a sense of enclosure, as if this moment of resurrection unfolds within a sacred, hidden chamber.

Bassi’s vision of resurrection is not merely physical but metaphysical, aligning with her broader artistic engagement with mysticism, the occult, and the unseen forces that shape reality. In Resurrection she presents a powerful meditation on the perpetual cycle of destruction and renewal, offering the viewer a glimpse into the enigmatic process of spiritual awakening.