Art as Magic
How is the creation of art a form of magic?
Definition
Magic, as defined by the Collins dictionary is: “the power to use supernatural forces to make impossible things happen such as make people disappear or controlling events in nature.”
However, this is a bit simplistic. The free dictionary goes into more detail. Accordingly, magic is: “the art or practice of using charms, spells or rituals to attempt to produce supernatural effects or control events in nature.” Also: “the art that, by use of spells supposedly invokes supernatural powers to influence events.”
Note that magic is an art. Conjuring involves great skill and dexterity, in hand and eye, not unlike that of an artist. But, in what way is art magic?
To further define the term, magic is considered to be: “the practice of using various techniques, as incantation, to exert control over the supernatural or the forces of nature.” And further: “power or influence exerted through this practice.” (free dictionary)
Therefore, we can see that magic involves the manipulation of nature (particularly, in order to make it super-natural). By using practices (art practices, such as drawing, painting or performance) artists…
