El realismo mágico: una construcción de la realidad moderna a través del álbum ilustrado

Abstract

Magical realism is a stylistic vision applied to various expressions of art. The central point is the complementary presence of realism and magic in the narrative. Through the understanding of this concept, learning its beginning and historical journey, as well as the observation of works and authors resulting from the movement, we understand its main characteristics and thus apply them in a new artistic product that reflects one of the many current experiences in our society. To achieve this objective, we make use of the picture book, a medium that uses images and experimentation to narrate captivating stories to the readers. The story we tell focuses on the monotonous life of Michelle, whom we see growing up under her mother's shadow until she becomes a teenager. Through the use of the characteristics of magical realism, together with the flexibility that the picture book offers to experiment with visual metaphors, we reveal and amplify through forms the emotions that our characters don’t allow themselves to externalize. The reader is given the opportunity to discover an enigma that goes beyond what is apparent, placing them in front of the possibility of interpreting the true meaning that the work offers. This process and interactions opens the door to find the magic that is hidden in everyday life, in the absurd and in things that do not seem to matter.