Art of the occult: a visual sourcebook for the modern mystic

Book Cover
Average Rating
Publisher
White Lion Publishing
Publication Date
2020.
Language
English

Description

A visual feast of eclectic artwork informed and inspired by spiritual beliefs, magical techniques, mythology and otherworldly experiences. Mystical beliefs and practices have existed for millennia, but why do we still chase the esoteric? From the beginning of human creativity itself, image-makers have been drawn to these unknown spheres and have created curious artworks that transcend time and place – but what is it that attracts artists to these magical realms? From theosophy and kabbalah, to the zodiac and alchemy; spiritualism and ceremonial magic, to the elements and sacred geometryThe Art of the Occult introduces major occult themes and showcases the artists who have been influenced and led by them. Discover the symbolic and mythical images of the Pre-Raphaelites; the automatic drawing of Hilma af Klint and Madge Gill; Leonora Carrington's surrealist interpretation of myth, alchemy and kabbalah; and much more. Featuring prominent, marginalised and little-known artists, The Art of the Occult crosses mystical spheres in a bid to inspire and delight. Divided into thematic chapters (The Cosmos, Higher Beings, Practitioners), the book acts as an entertaining introduction to the art of mysticism – with essays examining each practice and over 175 artworks to discover. The art of the occult has always existed in the margins but inspired the masses, and this book will spark curiosity in all fans of magic, mysticism and the mysterious.

More Details

ISBN
9780711248830

Discover More

Also in this Series

Checking series information...

Published Reviews

Booklist Review

This "visual sourcebook for the modern mystic" explores the link between art and magic through full-color images. While "occult" is often used to describe Satanic imagery, author S. Elizabeth (aka writer and blogger Mlle Ghoul) notes that the word actually means "hidden," and the featured artwork illuminates humans' search for hidden knowledge of themselves and their place in the universe. The book is arranged around three main occult themes: The Cosmos (sacred geometry, astrology, alchemy), Higher Beings (deities as well as art inspired by the Kabbalah, theosophy, and the Hermetic tradition), and Practitioners (witches, spiritualists, astrologists, and others engaged in magic rituals). Each section includes art and artists that range from ancient to contemporary, figurative to abstract, and represent a wide variety of artistic mediums. The resulting juxtapositions reveal common threads; for example, a chapter on the four elements includes depictions by sixth-century scholar and archbishop Isidore of Seville, sixteenth-century mannerist painter Giuseppe Arcimboldo, and contemporary pop-surrealist Mark Ryden. The Art of the Occult will inspire visual artists, occult practitioners, and those who identify as both.

From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Powered by Syndetics

Booklist Reviews

This "visual sourcebook for the modern mystic" explores the link between art and magic through full-color images. While "occult" is often used to describe Satanic imagery, author S. Elizabeth (aka writer and blogger Mlle Ghoul) notes that the word actually means "hidden," and the featured artwork illuminates humans' search for hidden knowledge of themselves and their place in the universe. The book is arranged around three main occult themes: The Cosmos (sacred geometry, astrology, alchemy), Higher Beings (deities as well as art inspired by the Kabbalah, theosophy, and the Hermetic tradition), and Practitioners (witches, spiritualists, astrologists, and others engaged in magic rituals). Each section includes art and artists that range from ancient to contemporary, figurative to abstract, and represent a wide variety of artistic mediums. The resulting juxtapositions reveal common threads; for example, a chapter on the four elements includes depictions by sixth-century scholar and archbishop Isidore of Seville, sixteenth-century mannerist painter Giuseppe Arcimboldo, and contemporary pop-surrealist Mark Ryden. The Art of the Occult will inspire visual artists, occult practitioners, and those who identify as both. Copyright 2020 Booklist Reviews.

Copyright 2020 Booklist Reviews.
Powered by Content Cafe

Reviews from GoodReads

Loading GoodReads Reviews.

Staff View

Loading Staff View.