The world of art is full of many genres, magic realism being one of the most popular. It is an artistic style that’s applied not just to art, but to film, literature, and new media. Magical realism broke into the visual arts sector after the first world war in the U.S. and Europe — around 1920 and 1940. Approximately 53% of global art collections have over 500 pieces of artworks, and you can be sure that some of these are from magical realism.
A little history
Magical realism in art first developed as a movement in the years following World War I. In the decades that followed, numerous artists in Europe and America used representation art and mixed it with fantasy elements. The style became typified by the remarkable details and sharp focus used by artists. What made magical realism in art stand out the most was its ability to tap into the emotional reservoirs within the viewer. The style employed unexpected and suggestive content in what, at first glance, looks like an ordinary scene.
How magical realism evolved
During the post-expressionism movement in Germany, magical realism evolved. In Europe, this style is said to be related to the Return to Order movement. In the mid-1920s, post-expressionism grew by shedding the emotionally charged nature in expressionism. It also dropped the abstract style.
In 1925, FranzaRoh coined the term magic realism to refer to artworks after the post-expressionism era. The most distinctive feature of the art is its appearance: as if a secret was hidden within the primary subject matter. The art appeared as if it was nature-inspired art, but the main element of the piece was hidden.
This art differed distinctively from the 19th-century realism which is generally naturalistic and narrative in nature. The metaphysical work of Giorgio de Chirico and the work of Henri Rousseau greatly influenced this art genre.
The style
When applied to visual arts, this art form showcases extreme realism, especially when mundane subjects are depicted. Instead of focusing on everyday reality, the style showcases an interior mystery to the subject. It uses tiny details in the expansive paintings and showcases a sense of distance with forwarding movement. Some of the most exquisite magical realism art prints for sale will incorporate this style as the mark of pure realism.
The most famous artworks are those of Alexander Kanoldt’s piece named “Still life II,” which he crafted in 1922. Paul Cadmus crafted a famous painting referred to as “The Fleet,” which he worked on in 1934, as well.
Art from this era is classified as limited edition art and is not easy to come by. They are not only priceless, but they add poise and class to whoever room they are displayed. The mystery that fine art print evokes will get your guests engaged as they explore what the painting could mean to the painter, characters, and themselves.