Art and Occultism
Occultism has experienced a new wave of popularity in recent times, with mystery and magic found in most pop culture, from TV shows such as True Blood and Charmed to books and films such as Harry Potter and Twilight. However, this trend speaks to something primal in humans that goes beyond current trends. The connection between art and occultism dates all the way back to over 40,000 years ago, when humans used art as a means of entering other realms and recording what they encountered. From records as early as cave paintings, it’s possible to see that a need to explore the ‘self’ and connect with the unseen has always existed. Art has a deep connection with all religions, from early paganism to modern-day faiths and beliefs. Christianity is a great example of the use of art in religion, and has historically used the medium to ensure everyone has access to its teachings, through the likes of stained glass, tapestries, paintings and sculptures. Yet, art isn’t only present in established religions and, after centuries of repression by the Roman Catholic Church during the Middle Ages, occult art has enjoyed its own moment in the spotlight. Although it can be considered cyclical, occult art had its first documented resurgence during the French Revolution, and again at the start of the 20th century and into the present day. This is likely to be because the occult and its associated art offers something that traditional established religions don’t. It focuses on the spiritual rather than the religious, and appeals to a broader
audience of people who feel disenfranchised and seek to explore ideas away from the imposed framework of mainstream religious teachings. By providing the observer with an experience, occult art provides a different perspective and uses symbolism to reach beyond traditional art. Taking a variety of forms, occult art can range from photography, book illustrations and go all the way to simple everyday items like tarot cards and wall art. In its purest form, any and all art is a heavily symbolic medium that - by playing on peoples’ perceptions - is able to deliver a deeply impactful message. Occult art takes that path a step further and, by using rarer esoteric symbolism, seeks to take the observer on a deep inner journey through the ‘self’ and the cosmos. No matter the era, occult art will be forever present in our society for the unique value it has as a medium for self-discovery and its power to channel a new perspective.
80 FINE ART COLLECTOR SPRING/SUMMER 2020
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