Magical realism
Techniques. Resources. Creative Processes. Genres
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The Fundamental Difference Between the Absurd and the Magical Realism
Absurd and magical realism are two resources which have very similar elements and nevertheless, function very differently as resources.
There are two things that are common to both: there is a realistic environment, and an “unreal” element appears. This is shown and accepted by the protagonists as something normal, as it should not surprise, an attitude that brings more impact or surprise in the viewer.
The fundamental difference is this: in the absurd, that element that appears is often ridiculous, it usually disobeys logic and it is usually funny. Instead, in magical realism, the element that appears is wonderful, “magic”, as a levitation, metamorphosis, telekinesis or any small miraculous event. For example in this painting, the groom elevates when kissing the bride. An absurd element would have been that instead of a flower he would have given her an umbrella, to give an example of something ridiculous. And something very important: the intention is usually expressing the mood of the person experiencing the incident. A mood that is generally enthusiasm, optimism, joy of living.
If we go deeper, in the philosophical positions that would imply the use of these resources, —as long as they are used to reflect philosophical positions, which does not happen every time— the absurd poses the nonsense of life, of the universe. It could be in a dramatic, distressing way —as the absurd is a fundamental part of existentialism— or in a lighter and funny way. Whatever the manner: the order of things is an absurd.
On the other hand, magical realism expresses something very different, it has an enthusiastic vision: life as a succession of small miracles.
Image: The birthday (1915). Marc Chagall.
Recommended links:
The Bride and Groom of the Eiffel Tower (1938-39).
“Great art picks up where nature ends.”
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