Magical Realism & #MagicMondays

Posted on by The Wandering Art Historian

I am a huge fan of Science Fiction and Fantasy in all genres. Whether it’s Arthur C. Clarke novels or The Lord of the Rings film trilogy (extended editions, of course!) or the Marvel Cinematic Universe or the Buffy the Vampire Slayer TV series or The Sandman (comic and Netflix series), I am here for all of it!

That said, there is a special place in my heart for the Magical Realism genre. In fact, one might say that I’m a tad obsessed. The term Magical Realism can apply to a variety of mediums, including literature, film and television but what’s really cool is that it has its roots in art history. I’ll explore those art historical origins in an upcoming YouTube series, so stay tuned!

I am fascinated by the possibility of magic operating in our normal, average, everyday world. Maybe it’s not enough magic to make the world a fantasyland and maybe it’s not important that we understand the mechanics of how the magic works. Perhaps the point of Magical Realism is recognizing that underneath what we know as “reality,” there is an undercurrent of magic and that if we take the time to look for it, we will find it.

What I love about Magical Realism is the flexibility of its intent. Sometimes Magical Realism presents itself as an alternate reality or a parallel dimension just slightly different from the one we’re experiencing. Some creators use Magical Realism to highlight an injustice or draw attention to the plight of the marginalized. Magical Realism can even be a way to process trauma and tragedy, whether through allegory or metaphor.

While I am marketing my debut novel as a fantasy, I think it’s more accurate to align it with Magical Realism. Once I figured out the story I wanted to tell, Magical Realism gave me the means with which to do so. With that in mind, I want to share with you all the artistic influences that inspired me throughout my creative process.

Introducing…

Look for a new #MagicMondays post every week on my social media and on the #MagicMondays page on this very blog. Remember, just look for the “hamburger” in the upper right hand corner of the landing page of the blog. It looks like this…

This week’s #MagicMondays post highlighted the work of filmmaker Jordan Peele and you can read that post by following this link…

#MagicMondays

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I am writer and artist with a degree in art history who loves to talk to people about art. I have spent the last seven years building up The Wandering Art Historian “brand” as a way to connect with people who want to learn more about art. I give lectures and presentations and teach classes and host book club discussions with a creative or artistic connection. I also write about local artists, events, museums, and exhibitions to promote the arts in Central Florida. In 2021, I had a creative crisis. I struggled with authenticity in the art making process. I decided to make myself vulnerable and find out what a real, genuine Adrienne H. Lee artwork would look like. The process was challenging and emotional and revelatory. I learned that if necessity is the mother of invention, then authenticity is the mother of reinvention. I reinvented myself and learned an entirely new medium. The resulting artwork surprised me, and it will surprise you, too. Some people wish for a fairytale ending. For me, the fairy tale is only the beginning.