A Haunting Legacy: How 'Strange Realities: The Symbolist Imagination' Captures the Bizarre Beauty of Late 19th-Century Art
In the vast and eclectic landscape of modern art, few movements have managed to capture the public's imagination quite like Symbolism. At the heart of this enigmatic movement lies a peculiar fascination with the psychological, the fantastical, and the surreal – all woven together in an intricate tapestry of visuals and literature.
Take Edvard Munch's iconic 'The Scream' (1893), which recently made headlines for its record-breaking price at auction. Yet, here, in "Strange Realities: The Symbolist Imagination," a new show at the Art Institute of Chicago, it makes an unexpected appearance – as a humble black and white lithograph. However, for fans of Munch's work, there is no need to be disappointed; alongside 'The Scream' on display are over 80 works on paper from the museum's prints and drawings collection, showcasing the full majesty of Symbolist art.
One such artist, Gustaf Fjaestad, presents his mesmerizing 'Moonlight, Örebro' (1897), featuring a woman lost in thought as she gazes out at a serene lake under moonlight. The undulating ripples of the water create an otherworldly presence, like an alien entity beckoning her closer. Meanwhile, across the way, a house seems to watch with two blazing lanterns, casting an air of mystique and foreboding.
Odilon Redon's works, too, are a highlight of this exhibition, showcasing his affinity for mythology, magic, and the fantastical. 'Sita' (c. 1893) is a stunning drawing from the Hindu epic 'Ramayana,' capturing the protagonist in all her golden radiance, with stardust falling like a shower of gold around her. This piece, coupled with 'Flower Clouds' (c. 1903), demonstrates Redon's remarkable ability to evoke emotion through his works – a feeling that is both ethereal and deeply human.
On the other end of the spectrum lies Franz von Stuck's hauntingly realistic etching, 'Lucifer' (c. 1890). Here, the fallen angel broods in contemplative silence, his wings tucked beneath him as if weighed down by his own conflicted emotions. This masterful work is a poignant reminder that even the most powerful among us are not immune to discomfort and indignation.
Through its eclectic and captivating collection of works on paper, "Strange Realities: The Symbolist Imagination" offers a unique glimpse into the world of late 19th-century art – a realm where fantasy, reality, and psychological introspection converge in unexpected ways. If you're looking for an exhibit that will challenge your perceptions and leave you pondering its haunting beauty long after the visit, then this show is not to be missed.
The exhibition runs at the Art Institute of Chicago until January 5, 2026.
In the vast and eclectic landscape of modern art, few movements have managed to capture the public's imagination quite like Symbolism. At the heart of this enigmatic movement lies a peculiar fascination with the psychological, the fantastical, and the surreal – all woven together in an intricate tapestry of visuals and literature.
Take Edvard Munch's iconic 'The Scream' (1893), which recently made headlines for its record-breaking price at auction. Yet, here, in "Strange Realities: The Symbolist Imagination," a new show at the Art Institute of Chicago, it makes an unexpected appearance – as a humble black and white lithograph. However, for fans of Munch's work, there is no need to be disappointed; alongside 'The Scream' on display are over 80 works on paper from the museum's prints and drawings collection, showcasing the full majesty of Symbolist art.
One such artist, Gustaf Fjaestad, presents his mesmerizing 'Moonlight, Örebro' (1897), featuring a woman lost in thought as she gazes out at a serene lake under moonlight. The undulating ripples of the water create an otherworldly presence, like an alien entity beckoning her closer. Meanwhile, across the way, a house seems to watch with two blazing lanterns, casting an air of mystique and foreboding.
Odilon Redon's works, too, are a highlight of this exhibition, showcasing his affinity for mythology, magic, and the fantastical. 'Sita' (c. 1893) is a stunning drawing from the Hindu epic 'Ramayana,' capturing the protagonist in all her golden radiance, with stardust falling like a shower of gold around her. This piece, coupled with 'Flower Clouds' (c. 1903), demonstrates Redon's remarkable ability to evoke emotion through his works – a feeling that is both ethereal and deeply human.
On the other end of the spectrum lies Franz von Stuck's hauntingly realistic etching, 'Lucifer' (c. 1890). Here, the fallen angel broods in contemplative silence, his wings tucked beneath him as if weighed down by his own conflicted emotions. This masterful work is a poignant reminder that even the most powerful among us are not immune to discomfort and indignation.
Through its eclectic and captivating collection of works on paper, "Strange Realities: The Symbolist Imagination" offers a unique glimpse into the world of late 19th-century art – a realm where fantasy, reality, and psychological introspection converge in unexpected ways. If you're looking for an exhibit that will challenge your perceptions and leave you pondering its haunting beauty long after the visit, then this show is not to be missed.
The exhibition runs at the Art Institute of Chicago until January 5, 2026.
. I mean, it's cool and all that, but is it really that deep? All these artists are just exploring the weird side of human psychology and fantasy – big whoop, right? I've seen some of Gustaf Fjaestad's work before and it's like, yeah, it's pretty, but is it saying anything new or interesting? 
And don't even get me started on Odilon Redon's stuff – all that mysticism and magic feels like just another fad to me 
. I guess if you're into that sort of thing, go for it! But personally, I'm not convinced that this show is breaking any new ground or challenging our perceptions in a meaningful way 
.
all these old works on paper and they're still giving me chills 
like that Edvard Munch piece 'The Scream' is crazy to think about how it went from being a sketch to a record-breaking price tag 
"Strange Realities: The Symbolist Imagination" at the Art Institute of Chicago and it's literally giving me chills 
. they have this one artwork by Edvard Munch's 'The Scream' and it's like whoa... i mean, i've seen that painting a million times but seeing it in person was a different story 
. and then there's these other artists like Gustaf Fjaestad whose works are like nothing i've ever seen before 
his 'Moonlight, Örebro' is literally hauntingly beautiful 
.
. his 'Sita' drawing from the Hindu epic 'Ramayana' is giving me major fairy tale vibes 
. and then there's Franz von Stuck's 'Lucifer' etching which is like, whoa... it's just so masterfully done 
. trust me, it'll be worth your while 
I just saw the most mind-blowing art exhibit at the Art Institute of Chicago - 'Strange Realities: The Symbolist Imagination'! It's like stepping into a dream world where fantasy and reality blend together in ways that'll leave you speechless 
. They have Edvard Munch's 'The Scream' on display, but I was blown away by Gustaf Fjaestad's 'Moonlight, Örebro'. The way the water ripples create this otherworldly presence is like magic 
️. If you get a chance to see this exhibit before it closes, DON'T MISS IT 
you know what's wild about this whole Symbolist movement? it's like they were trying to tap into our collective subconscious, you feel me? these artists weren't just creating pretty pictures; they were delving into the depths of human emotion and psychology 
and then there's Redon's 'Sita', which is literally a drawing of a goddess descending into hell 
and it makes me wonder – what's real, anyway? are we just floating on a sea of symbolism, trying to find our way back to the shore? 
Exactly! I've been to a lot of art shows in my life, but this one really stands out. Maybe it's because it's so hard to put into words what exactly it is about these pieces that speaks to you... 
. It was so surreal and yet totally real at the same time? Like that's what art is all about - capturing the essence of something that feels true but is actually just our brains playing tricks on us 
. And have you ever noticed how some artists are just like, 'I'll take a normal day and make it weird by adding some weird shapes in the background'? Like, Edvard Munch's not even trying to hide his emotions on that painting 
.
. I love how artists like Edvard Munch, Gustaf Fjaestad, and Odilon Redon tap into our collective fears and desires through their works – it's like they're speaking directly to us 
. And let's not forget the hauntingly realistic etchings by Franz von Stuck, which are just so thought-provoking 
. These Symbolist artists weren't afraid to explore the darker corners of human experience and that's what makes their work so hauntingly beautiful 
.
... just kidding kinda. So like I was looking at these artworks and I'm thinking, what's up with all the weird moonlit scenes? Is it like they're trying to evoke a sense of mystery or something?