1. Introduction

Magical realism is a term that was initially associated with literature, particularly the work of writers such as Gabriel García Márquez. It was he who, with novels such as One Hundred Years of Solitude, introduced readers to a world in which magic subtly infiltrated everyday life, becoming a natural part of it. Over the years, this unusual style found its way into painting, offering artists the space to combine real scenes with surreal elements. In painting, magic realism differs from other trends in that, rather than creating separate fantastic worlds, it invites the viewer into a reality that is filled with hidden meanings and unusual symbols.

2. Characteristics of magic realism in painting

Magic realism in painting is characterised by an unusual balancing act between the everyday and the fantastic. Artists working in this trend depict familiar spaces, often inspired by the urban landscape, landscape or interior, but add elements that make the world on canvas arouse anxiety and delight at the same time. Flying figures, disproportionate building structures, trees growing in impossible places – these are just a few of the motifs that subtly breach the boundaries of reality.

The paintings tell stories – often with no beginning or end, leaving the viewer with ample room for interpretation. The poetic narrative, full of symbols, draws the viewer into a world where the impossible becomes possible. Magical realism is thus a style that, by deliberately blurring the boundaries between dream and waking life, offers no clear-cut answers.

Rich symbolism also underpins this trend. Elements of a painting often refer to philosophy, mythology or archetypes drawn from the human subconscious. Every detail may have a hidden meaning, which only becomes apparent after prolonged contemplation. Thus, magic realism in painting forces the viewer to reflect and search for hidden content.

3. The history and development of the trend in painting

Magic realism as a term originated in literature, but as early as the beginning of the 20th century painters began to look for ways to introduce fantasy elements into their works. The trend became particularly popular in Europe in the 1920s and 1930s, especially among German and Italian painters who wanted to combine classical painting techniques with modern, somewhat surrealist subject matter.

As the years passed, magic realism developed across continents, becoming increasingly popular among contemporary artists. In painting, the trend evolved, taking a variety of forms – from subtle scenes with delicate supernatural elements, to richly decorated and detailed paintings that transported the viewer into a fantasy world.

4. Representatives of magic realism in contemporary Polish painting

Wojciech Siudmak is considered one of the leading representatives of fantasy realism, alongside such artists as M.C. Escher, Max Klinger or Leonor Fini. He describes himself as a fantasy hyperrealist, emphasising his uniqueness. Fantastic realism, combining surreal visions with realistic precision, derives from the tradition of surrealism, whose outstanding representatives were Salvador Dalí, René Magritte and Paul Delvaux. What connects Siudmak to Dalí is a masterful rendering of the illusion of three-dimensional space, the play of light and shadow and a proficiency in the use of perspective. To these classical techniques, the artist introduces realistic and strongly personal elements, where the perfection of the workshop serves to express his rich imagination.

Rafał Olbiński is one of the best-known Polish representatives of magic realism and surrealism. His works are characterised by extraordinary elegance, finesse and a specific surrealist humour. Olbiński often uses classical motifs – human figures, architecture or nature – which he transforms into surreal visions full of metaphorical meanings. His paintings, such as Windmill in the Desert or Lost in Thought, combine a delicate play between reality and fantasy, leaving the viewer with questions about the nature of human perception.

Tomasz Sętowski is another prominent Polish artist whose works are an excellent example of magic realism in painting. His elaborate architectural compositions and fantastic scenes transport the viewer into the world of dreams. The richness of detail and extraordinary precision make paintings such as City of Dreams or Journey to Atlantis delight with their complexity and unique atmosphere. Sętowski builds his own worlds, in which reality mixes with fairy tales, and the boundaries between what is real and what is imagined almost disappear.

5. Why is magic realism in painting fascinating?

Magic realism in painting fascinates primarily because it blurs the boundaries between reality and fantasy, creating an atmosphere of mystery and uncertainty. The viewer, looking at such works, is not sure what is the truth and what is merely the artist’s imagination. In addition, the rich symbolism and hidden meanings mean that each painting can be interpreted in many ways, and each look reveals new layers of meaning.

This strand has something universal about it – it appeals to lovers of both classical and modern art, offering both deep reflection and aesthetic pleasure. The viewer feels invited into a world full of magic, where everything is possible and yet experientially close at hand.