Author(s): Michael Gibson

Art

Exploring the mysteries of the subconscious, this title deals with the grandfather of surrealism. In reaction to the 'narrow-mindedness' of his fellow artists, symbolist painter Odilon Redon (1840-1916) sought to open the door on the invisible. Art, according to the theories of the symbolist movement, should 'add to human beauty the nimbus of thought'. In his studio, Redon would dedicate his energies, like an alchemist, to the creation of his 'black pictures', those barely tangible charcoal drawings teeming with fantasy figures. Gradually, color took hold in his works and Redon applied it with a boldness and imagination that heralded the experimental approach of modernism and surrealism. Fallen angels and deformed monsters gave way to a completely different vision that was radiant and serene: the triumph of light over darkness. Every book in Taschen's "Basic Art Series" features: a detailed chronological summary of the artist's life and work, covering the cultural and historical importance of the artist; approximately 100 color illustrations with explanatory captions; and, a concise biography. This is the work of the great symbolist painter who was a forefather of surrealism.