ENCHANTED ALCHEMIES

Lévy Gorvy Dayan opens Enchanted Alchemies, an exhibition exploring themes of magic, mysticism, and the occult in art.

October 1 - December 21, 2024

Featuring over 50 works by 27 artists spanning painting, sculpture, ceramic, watercolor, and collage—some newly created—Enchanted Alchemies brings together a range of expressive approaches to magic and mystical thinking. The exhibition display evolves through two phases to reflect the transformative and alchemical themes of the artists’ works.

One hundred years ago, André Breton wrote his first Manifesto of Surrealism. Notions of magic, alchemy, and the occult would, as his ideas matured, become a central part of the Surrealist movement. This realm of esoteric interests has been given renewed attention in the 21st century. Enchanted Alchemies continues this conversation, navigating the ethereal realms of Surrealism and its enduring legacy through three thematic chapters: “Occultism and Dreams,” “Magic and Mysticism,” and “Alchemy: Enchantment and Transformations.” Each chapter examines how artists over the past century have engaged with age-old occult practices, casting them as forces capable of significantly shaping—and reshaping—personal, cultural, and creative narratives.

The work of British Surrealist Ithell Colquhoun, for example, urges us to consider magic beyond notions of ritual and spellcasting. Rather, she sought to convey an all-encompassing, dynamic force that powerfully permeated every aspect of reality.

Enchanted Alchemies offers a lens through which to view art as a reflection of humanity’s quest for meaning, understanding, and transcendence. With an interdisciplinary approach, it delves into seismic sociological shifts that have reshaped notions of spirituality, gender, and identity, prompting a re-evaluation of our understanding of the occult. Through their engagement with various forms of magic, the artists on display explore new possibilities, envision alternative futures, and actively seek to effect change.