Book Review: Metamorphosis: 50 Contemporary Surreal, Fantastic and Visionary Artists

Metamorphosis: 50 Contemporary Surreal, Fantastic and Visionary Artists

Metamorphosis is a book that represents the work of 50 contemporary artists who epitomize the traditions of contemporary Surreal Art, Fantastic Realism, and Visionary Art. However, there is more to this book than the artists who grace its pages. It also serves as a catalyst for understanding the significance of these works within a historical context and for realizing the global reach that these movements have had. In that sense, Metamorphosis is a book that represents every Surreal, Fantastic, and Visionary artist-- past, present, and future.

Metamorphosis accomplishes this by containing essays by Ernst Fuchs and others that give historic validity to these forms of expression. The text offers information defining how contemporary Surreal, Fantastic, and Visionary art came into existence and how these forms of expression have made an impact throughout the world even though there are some who have tried to contain it-- tried and failed.

Many texts that I've read involving these styles have lacked this connection with art history. The connections revealed in Metamorphosis give the reader an idea of where to search for more information pertaining to the historic and contemporary significance of these forms of expression-- including a list of various online sources that readers can explore for themselves.

It is great to find a book that introduces the reader to contemporary artists, such as Chet Zar, Laurie Lipton and Alex Grey, while making it clear that these contemporary works have a basis within the context of art history and that the imagery they portray has broad implications in our times and beyond.

You can find out more about this book by visiting the following link: http://beinart.org/shop/metamorphosis.php

Take care, Stay true,

Brian Sherwin