Magical realism is an art genre that divides people, generating either admiration or scorn – very few don’t have an opinion on this genre. The cons think it’s kitsch and way over the top, while its advocates love the fantastical imagery contained within.
It’s very much a genre that’s gone out of vogue, the only artists we know of who are creating it with some success are John Stark, Dolly Thompsett and Raqib Shaw — but they are all very different in their styles. But then we came across Greek artists Iannis Nikou, relatively well known back in his home country and has been creating work like this since the 1980s, but he remains unknown over here. He uses classical elements to create fantastical and large scale paintings.
But what do you think – too kitsch or a talented painter who depicts light with a deft touch? I’m divided with a foot in each camp, so I thought I’d share his work and see what you think.
More of Iannis Nikou’s work can be found at London Art Collective.
