The Art of the Occult: A Visual Sourcebook for the Modern Mystic: Volume 1

Description

A visual feast of eclectic artwork informed and inspired by spiritual beliefs, magical techniques, mythology and otherworldly experiences. Mystic and occult practices date back centuries, but why do we still chase the esoteric? Over the past two hundred years, 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 geometry - The Art of the Occult will introduce major occult themes and showcase 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 Carringtons surrealist interpretation of myth, alchemy and kabbalah; the theosophical practices of Mondrian and Kandinsky; and 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 short chapter introductions examining each practice, followed by a series of carefully curated 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.

S. Elizabeth (aka Mlle Ghoul) is a Florida-based writer specialising in art, the macabre and the supernatural. She is a staff writer at Haute Macabre and has written for 'Coilhouse', 'Dirge' and 'Death and the Maiden Blog'. S. Elizabeth was also the co-creator of The Occult Activity Book (vol 1 and 2) and runs two successful blogs: Ghoul Next Door (ghoulnextdoor.tumblr.com) and These Unquiet Things (unquietthings.com).

"This exhibition-in-a-book brings together a cornucopia of images from the Western occult tradition in a manner that inspires curiosity and thought." * MythLore *