Fantasy art is a genre of
literature and fine art; it is similar to science fiction. The artists working
on this style use the motives of long-distance movements in space and time. In
the visual arts, artists often combine fantasy elements with abstractionism,
surrealism, and realism. This trend reflects a person's craving for a colorful
world of parallel universes, and by following the picture subjects, a viewer
can plunge into magical and fascinating worlds. Fantasy artworks are fairy
tales for adults. They distract from grey everyday life and problems. It takes
us to a world where good overcomes evil! Fantasy art is a style that is rooted
in national folklore, pagan beliefs, and ancient myths. The foundation of the
genre development was laid by romanticism in the European literature of the
18th century, where writers revived the heroes of the past. It is
considered a Universal language that conveys the mystery of unseen forces
and mysteries of life. Fantasy art can be found in Greek mythology and Chinese
folklore amongst other cultural traditions. It is a beautiful combination of
imagination and direct observation of reality, it is fanciful, unrealistic,
dreamy, wistful, and filled with rich imagery.
To understand Fantasy art, it
takes more than just appreciating illustrations for books, movies, and magazines
of the fantasy genre. In the 21st century, in part due to the global
popularity of fantasy fiction, anime, and other fantasy media, Fantasy art can
claim a broad appeal as a form of creative expression. This genre is excluded
from today's art history books and rarely displayed in art galleries. It
is said that this genre of art became an accepted art form only after the 20th
century. At this time, more artists were labeled as fantasy artists than at any
other time before. This acceptance and indulgence in fantasy art was a result
of modernization and the invention of photography in the 1800s. In the 20th
century, photography replaced realism and fantasy art history became extremely
popular. Artists needed a new challenge in the art world and focused on
expressionism, cubism, abstraction, and surreal art. The meaning and purpose of
art changed as artists explored different ways of expressing their ideas, not
just reporting historical events and subjects. As artists turned to paint
the unseen, their imaginations ran wild!
A Fantasy artist's canvases attract the eye with vivid expressive images, a rich color, and a shade palette that captivates the viewer with the magical dynamic subjects. Picturesque fairy tales introduce literary scenes, portraits, and landscapes where the fictional subjects intermingle with the real ones. The artists who work in the fantasy genre, often use oil and acrylic paints while the less popular media are ink and watercolor. A fantasy artist is required to fill the pictures with symbolism and carefully think through the details, composition, and the play of light and shadow, as they strive the convince a viewer of the fantasy reality.
At present,
popular figures that might be found in fantasy art are found in stories such as
Lord of the Rings. To understand this genre, simply, you can picture elves,
demons, wizards, and fairies, and also extends to other characters from superheroes to space aliens, from saints to animals with human features. Dutch
artist, Hieronymous Bosch was a famous fantastical artist of the 1500s who is
most well-known for his painting of the Garden of Earthly Delights. He painted
nudes who were sensuous yet haunting as he wanted to relate his ideas about
Adam and Eve and their original sin. The Surrealist work of Salvador Dali
offers another example of Modern art with fantastic elements. His work was
accepted as high art by the art establishment. Akiane is another fantasy artist,
a child prodigy. She mainly paints religious subjects, and there is an almost
cartoon-like quality to her brilliant faces, especially human eyes. One can say
that they are similar to Dali's work. But in reality, her work is based on
mystical experiences.
Today, fantasy
art continues to be extremely popular where artists and art lovers can enjoy
science fiction, surrealism, and mythological themes. Dark fantasy is becoming a
popular theme for both artists and connoisseurs where individuals can explore their
deepest fears and darkest desires. Dragon art is also very popular because
dragons continue to be mystical and unproven creatures. Fantasy art continues
to capture the modern imagination. In the future, perhaps fantastic art will be
recognized as a form of high art by the art establishment.