The spellbinding power of art: a journey to new perspectives

Art has always been a window to new dimensions, challenging our perceptions and nudging us toward fresh ways of seeing the world. Recently, a resurgence of enchanted and mystical themes in painting has captured global attention, inviting viewers into fantastical realms where reality intertwines with the surreal. But beyond their surface beauty, these artworks offer an invaluable lesson about perspectives and how we approach life itself.

Stepping into another world

Artists like Georg Wilson, Makiko Kudo, and María Berrío craft works that blur the boundaries between the real and the mythical. Their creations, whether infused with folklore, surrealism, or personal memories, are more than just visual experiences. They are invitations to step outside our own narratives and embrace the unfamiliar. By doing so, we begin to expand our understanding of the world—not just as it is, but as it could be.

In life, as in art, the ability to shift perspective is transformative. Just as these paintings transport us into alternative realities, practicing an openness to new viewpoints in everyday life helps us see beyond our immediate surroundings, biases, and assumptions.

The beauty of dualities

Many of these mystical paintings merge dualities: human and animal, real and imagined, chaos and order. This fusion mirrors the complexities of our world, where seemingly opposite forces coexist and inform each other. By contemplating these dualities, viewers learn to embrace ambiguity and complexity—a skill that is invaluable for gaining a more nuanced perspective on life.

For example, Tuan Vu’s ethereal works and María Berrío’s delicate collages both reflect stories of longing and connection. They encourage us to question the lines we draw between ourselves and others, between what we know and what we believe. This questioning is the cornerstone of empathy and personal growth.

The transformative power of seeing differently

Art’s enchanted turn is about more than escape—it’s about transformation. Victoria Gelfand-Magalhaes aptly notes that “the magic happens in the viewer’s eyes.” This reflects a profound truth: what we see depends largely on how we look. These spellbinding paintings teach us that changing our perspective—whether by imagining alternative realities or by challenging entrenched beliefs—can transform the mundane into the magical.

Likewise, in our lives, embracing new perspectives can shift our understanding of challenges, relationships, and opportunities. By learning to look at the world with curiosity and openness, we uncover layers of meaning we might have otherwise missed.

Cultivating a mindset of wonder

The mystical art movement resonates with our longing for wonder in an increasingly mechanized and predictable world. Similarly, adopting an artistic mindset in our daily lives—one that values imagination, questions the obvious, and embraces mystery—can help us approach problems and relationships with fresh eyes.

Much like the paintings that “put a spell on you,” rethinking how you view the world requires effort, patience, and a touch of magic. When we actively work to see things differently, we discover new ways of engaging with life, and the world itself becomes a more enchanting and meaningful place.

A new way of seeing

The current wave of enchanted art reminds us of our innate capacity to imagine and explore beyond the obvious. It mirrors the importance of perspectives in shaping our reality. Just as these paintings challenge us to step into otherworldly landscapes, life constantly presents us with opportunities to rethink, reimagine, and grow. The magic is not only in the art—it’s in how we choose to see it, and by extension, how we choose to see the world.

Art: Makiko Kudo