As a broad Magic Realism definition, Magical Realism can refer to many things and covers many different artistic bases. As well as being a method of painting with its own distinct style and principles, the term can also refer to literature, film and television, video games, or even expressions such as music and dance.
In reality, Magical Realism is one of the oldest art movements known to humankind. For as long as civilization has existed, human beings have tried to capture the essence and encapsulate in words and images what is known in English today as "Magic."
In ancient times, this was expressed through physical and literal means through practices such as alchemy and ritual. Nowadays, though, the depiction of magic is subtler and nuanced and is regarded as purely fantastical and imaginary.
From this non-physical point of view, the Magical Realism art movement was born and took root. In it, anything is possible, and although based in the real world, the regular rules don't apply as the doors of the imagination are opened wide and allowed to run wild and free.
Magical Realism's Place in the Visual Arts
The origins of the term Magical Realism as a defined genre are believed to have originated in Germany. During the 18th and 19th centuries, Germany was known to have some of the greatest philosophers, writers, and revolutionary thinkers in the world.
Philosophers such as Kant, Heidegger, and Schopenhauer established some of the most thought-provoking doctrines ever conceived. In the case of Magical Realism and its definition, German art critic Franz Roh officially coined the term in 1925.
Roh saw it as the next wave of artistic breakthroughs following the Surrealist and Expressionist movements. Around this time, the movement began to rapidly take off, with painters, sculptors, and even writers beginning to adopt the style.
By 1927, Magical Realism had established itself all over the globe, with writers, in particular, embracing the style even more than artists did. Magical Realism can even be seen as one of the pioneering influences on the invention of the science fiction literary genre.
In art, many painters dedicated themselves diligently to establishing and fleshing out the movement's characteristics and philosophy. Latin America, in particular, embraced the movement more than any. As a result, Latin countries such as Mexico have a long history of magic within their society, going all the way back to ancient cultures such as the Aztecs and the Mayans.
Like all things, though, Magical Realism as an art slowly faded out and was eventually replaced by modern movements such as Minimalism, Postmodernism, and famous Geometric art. With that being said, characteristics of Magical Realism can still be found in many artistic avenues today, including the Magic Realism art genre.
Magic Realism is characterized by a blurring of the line between reality and fantasy, where magical elements are presented as ordinary occurrences and accepted as a part of the natural world. These elements may include supernatural beings, events, or phenomena, but they are not typically presented as something out of the ordinary or extraordinary. Instead, they are treated matter-of-factly, as if they are a natural part of the world.
Etymology
The origin of the term "Magical Realism" as a defined genre is believed to have originated in Germany. During the 18th and 19th centuries, Germany was known to have some of the greatest philosophers, writers, and revolutionary thinkers in the world.
Philosophers such as Kant, Heidegger, and Schopenhauer established some of the most thought-provoking doctrines ever conceived. In the case of Magical Realism and its definition, German art critic Franz Roh officially coined the term in 1925.
Roh saw it as the next wave of artistic breakthroughs following the Surrealist and Expressionist movements. Around this time, the movement began to rapidly take off, with painters, sculptors, and even writers adopting the style.
By 1927, Magical Realism had established itself all over the globe, with writers in particular embracing the style even more than artists did. Magical Realism can even be seen as one of the pioneering influences on the invention of the science fiction literary genre.
In art, many painters dedicated themselves diligently to establishing and fleshing out the movement's characteristics and philosophy. Latin America, in particular, embraced the movement more than any other region. As a result, Latin countries such as Mexico have a long history of magic within their society, dating back to ancient cultures such as the Aztecs and the Mayans.
Like all things, though, Magical Realism as an art slowly faded out and was eventually replaced by modern movements such as Minimalism, Postmodernism, and famous Geometric art. With that being said, characteristics of Magical Realism can still be found in many artistic avenues today.
Characteristics
Although Magical Realism shares many elements with fantasy, it should not be considered a fantasy genre. Any aspects of fantasy featured in Magical Realism always remain within the setting of the real world.
Magical Realism's definition is clear that a real-world setting is the primary focus, with any addition of fantasy being secondary or even tertiary. As a genre, it is somewhat similar to classical myths.
The basis and characters in Magical Realism are realistic, but the events that transpire and circumstances that occur can be fantastical, magical, supernatural, or even otherworldly. Within the parameters of Magical Realism, there is a sense of mystery and keen awareness present.
Like many art movements, Magical Realism also contains elements of socio-political and cultural commentary as part of its message. Animals, Animism, and Anthropomorphism are also important components of this complex art form.
Combined with traits inherited and borrowed from other movements, including classical Realism, Fabulism, and Surrealism, Magical Realism is one of the most comprehensive art forms in all modern movements.
Notable Works & Artists
Marxism Will Give Health To The Sick, Frida Kahlo – Mexican painter Frida Kahlo is arguably the most acclaimed and recognized Magical Realist painter for famous paintings of women. Of all Magical Realism artists, her work regularly featured the most characteristics from those mentioned above.
Marxism Will Give Health To The Sick is the perfect example of this. The iconic painting is a self-portrait of the artist mixed with anthropomorphic, surrealist, and utopian ideals, all of which are tropes Frida was famous for painting. So if you want to see famous examples of Magic Realism art and famous portrait paintings of women, Frida Kahlo has you covered for both, and they are available at 1st Art Gallery. Plus, you can always get the oil painting reproductions and add them to your space.
Fading Sunset Flame Eyvind Earle – American artist and illustrator Eyvind Earle is regarded as one of the best Magical Realism painters for a good reason. He is best remembered for his background illustrations working for the Walt Disney movie company in the 1950s, working on movies like Sleeping Beauty, Peter Pan, and Lady and the Tramp.
There is no better example of the modern art of Magic Realism than in classic Disney movies, in which Eyvind Earle played a pivotal role in creating. Fading Sunset Flame is one of Earle's independent paintings and one of his best Magical Realism paintings. Technically a landscape painting, the psychedelic color palette, and the distorted pattern are about as magical as it gets.
The Dream, Henri Rousseau – French artist Henri Rousseau was a painter of many styles. As well as being a Post-Impressionist, Primitivist, and Naïve art painter, his work also falls into the category of Magical Realism.
The Dream was the last painting Henri Rousseau completed before his death, and it is also one of his most well-known. This colorful oil on canvas painting reproduces all the troupes that both the French artist and Magic Realism art became renowned for. The jungle theme was a favorite of Rousseau's, and the symbolism within touches on themes such as mythology, religion, and of course, magic.
These are just a few artist names best associated with the Magical Realism art movement. The list of Magical Realism paintings, artists, and painters in this regard is extensive and is worth exploring for yourself.
Magical Realism as a Broad Movement
As a broad movement, Magical Realism serves as a link between the world we know and the world of the imagination. While it could be argued that all art stems from the imagination, Magical Realism is perhaps the most firmly rooted in both worlds.
To put it another way and compare it to other artistic movements, Realism is rooted in reality, while something like Surrealism is rooted in the imagination. In contrast, Magical Realism is both and neither at the same time. It sits in the space between the two, with its feet set in the real world while its head is in the clouds. In a sense, the movement acts as a bridge between the two worlds, blending them to the point where it is difficult to differentiate between them.
In Literature
Magical Realism is also unique in that it has established itself in various forms of media. However, the literary field has embraced the genre more quickly and fervently than any other.
In many ways, literature is the perfect medium for the philosophy and style of the movement. Writers spend a great deal of time exploring the planes of the imagination and the real world, making it an ideal form of expression for Magical Realism to take root and blossom.
As a result, this art form has produced numerous incredible books, such as One Hundred Years of Solitude, Kafka on the Shore, and the book-turned-movie, Life of Pi, that are certainly worth checking out.
In Film & Television
Over the years, film and television have slowly surpassed painting and literature to become the preferred media of choice for mainstream audiences. Consequently, it was only a matter of time before Magical Realism made its way onto the big and small screen.
Although it has never been officially classified as a movie genre, many of the elements found in Magic Realism art, and books can be seen in TV and movies. These art forms are essentially 'moving' color paintings.
However, despite their inclusion in these media, shows, and movies based on Magical Realism have never quite achieved the same level of recognition as their literary and artistic counterparts. Nonetheless, they remain some of the most captivating and mind-bending offerings in their respective fields.
Video Games & New Media
Video games are the perfect embodiment of the essence and legacy of Magical Realism. Their very existence is a testament to the concept of Magical Realism.Video games are a testament to the broad appeal of Magical Realism, which most people have experienced on some level, whether or not they are aware of it.Furthermore, with the advent of new media such as 4-D amusement rides and virtual reality headsets, Magical Realism is poised to become even more advanced and prevalent in the future.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Magical Realism is a genre that has its roots in ancient practices such as alchemy and ritual. The movement as we know it today originated in Germany in the early 20th century, and it soon spread worldwide, with writers and artists adopting its characteristics and philosophy. Although the movement eventually faded out and was replaced by modern art movements, its characteristics can still be found in various artistic avenues today. Magical Realism is known for its realistic setting with fantastical elements, elements of socio-political and cultural commentary, and the inclusion of animals, animism, and anthropomorphism. Notable artists like Frida Kahlo and Henri Rousseau have contributed significantly to the genre and reproductions of their most famous paintings are available at stores like 1st Art Gallery.