Gothic Fantasy Art - A History

There is currently no specific definition for Gothic Fantasy Art. The term is, however, an amalgam of several different themes, mainly fantasy art with a “gothic” premise. As such to give it a proper history, one must endeavor to discuss the different aspects which comprise Gothic Fantasy Art.

Of Gothic Art

Origins:

The term “Gothic” for art was initially used as a synonym for "Barbaric", and was therefore used as a negative term of opprobrium: this type of Medieval art was considered as unrefined and barbaric, too remote from the aesthetic proportions and shapes of Classical art and its resurgence during the Renaissance. The "Gothic" qualifier for this art seems to have been invented by the Italian Giorgio Vasari, who used it anachronistically and pejoratively as early as 1530, calling Gothic art a "monstrous and barbarous" "disorder". "Gothic art" was strongly criticized by French authors such as Boileau, La Bruyère, Rousseau, before becoming a recognized form of art, and the wording becoming fixed.

Painting in a style that can be called "Gothic" did not appear until about 1200, or nearly 50 years after the start of Gothic architecture and sculpture. The transition from Romanesque to Gothic is very imprecise, and Gothic ornamental detailing is often introduced before much change is seen in the style of figures or compositions themselves. Then figures become more animated in pose and facial expression, tend to be smaller in relation to the background of scenes, and are arranged more freely in the pictorial space, where there is room. This transition occurs first in England and France around 1200, in Germany around 1220 and Italy around 1300.

Painting during the Gothic period was practiced in 4 primary crafts: frescos, panel paintings, manuscript illumination, and stained glass. Frescoes continued to be used as the main pictorial narrative craft on church walls in southern Europe as a continuation of early Christian and Romanesque traditions. In the north stained glass was the art of choice until the 15th century. Panel paintings began in Italy in the 13th century and spread throughout Europe, so by the 15th century they had become the dominate form supplanting even stained glass. Illuminated manuscripts represent the most complete record of Gothic painting, providing a record of styles in places where no monumental works have otherwise survived. Painting with oil on canvas does not become popular until the 15th and 16th centuries and was a hallmark of Renaissance art.

In Northern Europe the important and innovative school of Early Netherlandish painting is in an essentially Gothic style, but can also be regarded as part of the Northern Renaissance, as there was a long delay before the Italian revival of interest in classicism had a great impact in the north. Painters like Robert Campin and Jan van Eyck, made use of the technique of oil painting to create minutely detailed works, correct in perspective, where apparent realism was combined with richly complex symbolism arising precisely from the realistic detail they could now include, even in small works.

"New" Gothic Art:

New Gothic Art is a contemporary art movement that emphasizes darkness and horror. The style began with the "Gothic" exhibition organized by the Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston, curated by Christoph Grunenberg, which took place April 24 - July 6, 1997. This exhibit included work by Jake and Dinos Chapman, Mike Kelley, Gregory Crewdson, Robert Gober, Jim Hodges, Douglas Gordon, Abigail Lane, Tony Oursler, Alexis Rockman, and Cindy Sherman.

Francesca Gavin's 2008 book Hell Bound continued to theorize the existence of the movement. She has also referred to the style as "the art of fear." The term is associated with work by Banks Violette, David Noonan and Gabríela Friðriksdóttir, in particular, as well as Christian Jankowski, Marnie Weber, Boo Saville, Terence Koh, and Matthew Stone. Gavin also includes Olaf Breuning, Dr Lakra, Abdul Vas, Joss McKinley, Jonathan Meese, Sue Webster, and Ricky Swallow. The artists involved often take inspiration from extreme metal, hardcore punk, motorcycle clubs, pornography, slasher films, and other elements of popular culture.

Of Fantasy Art

Fantasy art is a genre of art that depicts magical or other supernatural themes, ideas, creatures or settings. While there is some overlap with science fiction, horror and other speculative fiction art, there are unique elements not generally found in other forms of speculative fiction art. Depictions of ancient myths and legends, as well as depictions of modern day fantasy in the form of divine interventions and other magical or supernatural forces, are very common elements, and help distinguish fantasy art from other forms. Dragons, wizards, fairies and other fantastical and mythical creatures are common features in fantasy art.

Fantasy art is strongly linked to fantasy fiction. Indeed fantasy art pieces are often intended to represent specific characters or scenes from works of fantasy literature. Such works created by amateur artists may be called fanart.

There is a large subculture based around the creation of amateur fantasy art. This is largely centered around lesser known artists’ websites (such as Gothic Fantasy Art, Elfwood, and countless others). Such sites are noticeably less male-dominated than some other pursuits related to the fantasy genre. Despite the technical skill of many of its practitioners, and despite (or arguably because of) its popularity, Fantasy art is not considered fine art, in the sense that it is not hung in galleries, subsidized by governments, or studied in art schools.

A few works which are canonical, particularly surrealist or pre-Raphaelite works, have many characteristics in common with fantasy art. For example The Castle in the Pyrenees by Rene Magritte, and The Lady of Shalott by John William Waterhouse, would almost certainly be accepted as fantasy art if they had been created recently by an artist who presented them as such. As with much fantasy art, the latter illustrates a scene from another work.

Other modern fantasy artists use the Art Nouveau Movement and other high culture art movements with the contention that fantasy or faerie art should be critically evaluated and noticed by academic institutions.

A Melding of Themes

When and where the phrase Gothic Fantasy Art was first used is debatable. As has previously been mentioned there is no specific definition of the term, and that leaves those of us enamored of it to draw our own conclusions. Perhaps eventually, as happened with the original forms of Gothic art, the many and diverse artists of this sub-genre will be given their due. Or perhaps not. Only time will tell.

Yet this much is certain; the realm of fantasy and horror, when combined with the artistic mind, can reveal an amazing world. They are in perfect harmony, thrusting forth the darker side of imagination and imagery into an art form unlike any other.

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