Fantasy Art – A World Beyond Imagination
Fantasy art is a genre of literature and fine art; it is similar to science fiction. The artists working in 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, taking 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’s 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 the mysteries of life. Fantasy art can be found in Greek mythology and Chinese folklore, among other cultural traditions. It is a beautiful combination of imagination and direct observation of reality — fanciful, unrealistic, dreamy, wistful, and filled with rich imagery.
Understanding Fantasy Art
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 has claimed 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 ever before.
This acceptance and indulgence in fantasy art were 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!
The Techniques and Appeal of Fantasy Artists
A Fantasy artist's canvases attract the eye with vivid expressive images, rich color, and a shade palette that captivates the viewer with magical and dynamic subjects. Picturesque fairy tales introduce literary scenes, portraits, and landscapes where fictional subjects intermingle with the real ones. 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 play of light and shadow as they strive to convince the viewer of the fantasy reality.
Famous Fantasy Artists and Inspirations
At present, popular figures that might be found in fantasy art are seen in stories such as Lord of the Rings. To understand this genre simply, you can picture elves, demons, wizards, and fairies — and also characters ranging from superheroes to space aliens, from saints to animals with human features.
Dutch artist Hieronymous Bosch was a famous fantastical artist of the 1500s, most well-known for his painting The Garden of Earthly Delights. He painted nudes who were sensuous yet haunting, relating 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 who mainly paints religious subjects. There is an almost cartoon-like quality to her brilliant faces, especially human eyes. One can say they are similar to Dali's work, but in reality, her art is based on mystical experiences.
Fantasy Art Today
Today, fantasy art continues to be extremely popular, allowing artists and art lovers to enjoy science fiction, surrealism, and mythological themes. Dark fantasy has become a prominent theme for both artists and connoisseurs, where individuals can explore their deepest fears and darkest desires. Dragon art is also immensely popular, as dragons continue to be mystical and unproven creatures. Fantasy art continues to capture the modern imagination, and perhaps in the future, it will be recognized as a true form of high art by the art establishment.
