September 27, 2024 #artist #champions #magical realism #Svabhu Kohli

What is Magical Realism? Get inspired…

Each month we write a couple of articles inspired by one of our ReWild Yourself Champions. This month, following our interview with Artist and Visual Storyteller, Svabhu Kohli (check it out here), we were curious to find out more about their style of work living within Magical Realism and decided to do a deep dive into the subgenre…

What is Magical Realism?

Magical Realism is a creative movement and style that takes many forms and diverges into different branches. It’s said the term was first used by German art critic Franz Roh to describe a new style of painting that played with fantastical versions of reality. Shortly after it was widely adopted in Latin American Literature, firstly by one of the region’s most famous writers, Gabriel Garcia Marquez.

Some believe it to have been a result of escapism post-colonial occupation in the region, some argue it predated it. Beyond it’s exact starting point, the subgenre is an entrancing and unique one. It is often filled with folklore, while holding the same basis as its visual counterpart, building a seemingly realistic fictional plot with interwoven mythical and fantastical elements.

Magical realism in Literature

Magical realism novels often have an air of mystery to them, with the magical elements appearing often out of nowhere and with little explanation, so as to normalise them. The usual plot structures often aid this by not following the ‘usual’ chronological order of events in other novels. Leaving the reader uncertain of where the plot will go, when it will unfold or even where the conflict might arise from.

Magical Realism in Art

It is argued magical realism in art crosses lines with Surrealism, seeing as both focus on fantastical and dream-like depictions of reality. However, while Surrealism goes more often for topics concerning the human mind and consciousness, Magical Realism was more interested in the ‘tangible’ events, actors and aspects of reality, outside of our minds and in the world.

It is also known for combining vivid colors, mythical and dream-like visuals, and juxtaposing elements.

Magical realism today can also be found in other types of creative mediums: film, TV, digital media, immersive experiences…