In the labyrinth of art history, where the luminous works of the Renaissance and the vibrant brushstrokes of Impression are highly regarded and admired, there lies a less well-known movement shrouded in mystery and intrigue. This is the movement of occultist art, a fascinating fusion of esoteric knowledge, mystical symbolism and creative expression that has captivated and confounded viewers for centuries. This article invites you to explore this enigmatic world of occultist art, where we will uncover the hidden meanings, historical context and enduring legacy of this captivating artistic movement.
The Roots of Occultist Art:
To delve deeper into the nuances of occultist art, it’s essential to recognise that this form of art transcends mee representation or aesthetic appeal. It operates on multiple levels, serving as a conduit between the material world and the unseen realms of spiritual and mystical knowledge. At its core, occultist art is imbued with an intention to bridge the gap between the conscious and the subconscious, to evoke a sense of the divine or the arcane within the viewer.
The essence of the occult, with its focus on the hidden aspects of existence, challenges artists to explore beyond the tangible. It invites a dialogue with the mysterious, the arcane and the spiritual. Occultist art is not confined to any one period or culture but is a thread that weaves throughout human history, reflecting mankind’s continuous quest to understand the mysteries of our very existence. In the Middle Ages, for instance, illuminated manuscripts and religious iconography often contained hidden layers of esoteric meaning, accessible only to those with the knowledge to decipher them. Similarly, the Gothic cathedrals of Europe, with their intricate sculptures and stained glass, encode a wealth of spiritual symbolism and cosmic order.
The Renaissance marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of occultist art, as it coincided with a broader cultural and intellectual awakening. The rediscovery of ancient texts during this time fuelled an explosion of interest in mystical and hermetic philosophies. Artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Albrecht Dürer, who were not only masters of their craft but also deeply engaged in the intellectual currents of their time, began to incorporate these esoteric principles into their work. Their art, rich in symbolic content, invited viewers to look beyond the surface and consider the deeper, spiritual dimensions of reality.
The Flourishing of Occultist Art in the Modern Era:
The late 19th and early 20th centuries represented an innovative period for the intersection of art and the occult, driven by a cultural and spiritual renaissance that sought to reconcile the material advancements of the age with an exploration of the spiritual and esoteric. The establishment of occult societies such as the ‘Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn’ and the Theosophical Society marked a significant turning point, providing a structured framework for the study and practice of esoteric principles. These societies, and others like them, attracted individuals from various backgrounds, including artists, writers, and intellectuals, who were drawn to the occult as a source of inspiration and a means of accessing deeper realms of consciousness.
Artists associated with these movements, or who were influenced by their teachings, embarked on a quest to use their art as a vehicle for spiritual exploration and expression. Pamela Colman Smith, a member of the Hermetic Order, is a prime example of this synthesis between artistic creativity and occult practice. Her illustrations for the Rider-Waite Tarot deck, created in collaboration with school and mystic A.E. Waite, revolutionised Tarot imagery by infusing traditional symbols with layers of esoteric meaning drawn from the Golden Dawn’s teachings. These images were not merely decorative but were designed to function as tools for divination and self-reflection, encapsulating complex spiritual principles in accessible visual forms.
Austin Osman Spare, another pivotal figure of this era, utilised automatic drawing as a means to tap into the subconscious and explore the interface between the visible and the invisible realms. Spare’s work, characterised by its intricate detail and surreal imagery, reflects his interest in the occult and his belief in the power of the subconscious mind to reveal hidden truths. His art, like Smith’s, transcends conventional aesthetics, serving as a conduit for mystical experiences and esoteric knowledge.
The true flourishing of occultist art during this period can be attributed to a multitude of factors: a growing disillusionment with the materialism and rationalism of the modern world; a resurgence of interest in ancient wisdom and mystical traditional and the emergence of new, more inclusive spiritual movements that embraced a wide range of esoteric practices. Artists played a crucial role in this cultural shift, using their work to explore and express the multifaceted nature of existence, to bridge the gap between the seen and the unseen, and to invite viewers into a deeper engagement with the mysteries of life.
Occultism in Contemporary Art:
In the contemporary sphere, artists continue to explore the rich vein of esoteric knowledge and mystical experiences, adapting these ancient symbols and practices to reflect the concerns and insights of the modern world. Alex Grey is perhaps one of the most recognisable contemporary artists who delve into the realm of the occult, spirituality and consciousness. His highly detailed paintings and drawings often depict human bodies in x-ray vision, intertwined with complex geometric patterns, chakras and energy fields. These images illustrate the interplay between the physical and spiritual dimensions of existence, and are deeply influenced by his experiences with psychedelic substances and Grey’s interest in various spiritual traditions, including Buddhism, Hinduism and shamanism. His art seeks to visualise the unseeable, making the viewer aware of the intricate web of connections that bind the visible and invisible worlds.
Mexican artist, Cristina Francov is another significant figure whose work is imbued with occult symbolism and themes. Francov’s digital art and photography blend elements of Mexican folklore, pre-Colombian art and European alchemical and hermetic traditions, creating surreal landscapes that invite the viewer into a contemplative dialogue with the unseen. Her work often features motifs of transformation and transcendence, exploring the boundaries between life and death, and the physical and spiritual, in a way that is both haunting and deeply evocative. Francov’s art is a testament to the continuing relevance of occult themes in addressing the existential questions of the contemporary age.
Symbolism and Meaning in Occultist Art:
Occultist art, with its profound use of symbolic imagery, serves as a visual language through which spiritual truths and mystical concepts are conveyed. This art form taps into the collective unconscious, employing symbols that resonate across cultures and epochs to express universal themes of existence, transformation and transcendence.
The pentagram is a quintessential example, embodying the integration of the material and spiritual worlds. Each of its five points represents one of the four classical elements – earth, air, fire and water – anchored by the spirit at the top point. This symbolises the dominion of the spirit over the material elements, a core principle in many occult practices. The pentagram, depending on its orientation and context, can also represent protection, the human body and the quest for divine knowledge.
The ouroboros, another potent symbol, is a depiction of a snake or dragon consuming its own tail, forming a circle. This ancient symbol, which appears in Egyptian, Greek and Norse mythologies, among others, represents the cyclical nature of the universe, eternal return and the interconnectedness of life and death. In alchemy, it symbolises the philosopher’s stone, the ultimate material of transformation that promises immortality and enlightenment. The ouroboros invites reflection on the cycles of life, the nature of the universe, and the pursuit of wisdom.
The Tree of Life, rooted in the mystical tradition of Kabbalah, is a complex symbol comprising of ten spheres interconnected by twenty-two paths. Each sphere represents an aspect of the divine or a step on the path to enlightenment, whilst the paths symbolise the relationships between these aspects and the progression of the soul towards unity with the divine. The Tree of Life encapsulates the entirety of the universe, embodying creation, existence and the return to the divine source. It serves as a map for spiritual seekers, guiding them through the complexities of existence towards ultimate understanding and harmony.
The Legacy of Occultist Art:
The influence of occultist art extends beyond the confines of the occult societies and movements from which it sprang. It has permeated popular culture, inspiring literature, cinema and contemporary art. Moreover, the revival of interest in spirituality and mysticism in recent decades has led to a renewed appreciation for occultist art, not only as a historical curiosity but as a profound exploration of the human spirit and the mysteries of the universe.
Occultist art challenges us to look beyond the surface, to see the unseen and to contemplate the profound mysteries that lie just beyond the reach of our physical senses. It serves as a reminder that art, at its best, is not merely a reflection of the visible world but a window into the depths of the human soul and the eternal quest for understanding and transcendence.
Occultist art, with its rich tapestry of symbolism, deep spiritual underpinnings and captivating imagery, invites us on a journey into the unknown, challenging us to question, explore and seek deeper understanding. As we stand before these works, we are reminded that art has the power to illuminate the shadows, revealing the hidden layers of meaning and connection that binds us all. In the end, occultist art is not just about the occult; it is about the human experience – the quest for knowledge, the exploration of the self, and the desire to connect with something greater. It is a testament to the enduring human spirit, forever seeking to illuminate the darkness and uncover the mysteries of existence.