A New Beginning

A new beginning, completed from 2022 - 2024, oil on canvas, depicts a new start, the composition is a magic realist, post modern realism collection. The painting features a diverse range of texture and technique from the realism achieved in the four collective group of women. The background contrasts this realism with a dynamic layering of techniques. Abstract drips cascade behind the figures, evoking movement, ambiance and the passing of time, while fresco-like textures hint at the worn beauty of a decaying brick structure, a symbol of foundations both literal and metaphorical. These textures embrace the memory embedded in place, capturing the rustic remains of a once-solid architectural past.

Warmth radiates from a burning fireplace set just below the central figures, breathing life into the space. Echoing this warmth is a glowing vintage lantern in the foreground, acting as both a visual anchor and a symbolic light of guidance and hope. At its heart, the work features a collective group of four women rendered with meticulous realism. Their moment of shared celebration, cheering with a newly discovered vintage wine, anchors the composition in warmth and intimacy. Themes of time are implemented with the pile of modern tires featured on the left hand side of the painting. The tires represent “modernity” in the passing that of vehicles being something of the past.

Arched architectural elements emerge gracefully at the centre and extend to the right, bringing a sense of harmony and spiritual calm. These classical forms contrast with the modern relics, reinforcing the interplay between chaos and order, decay and rebirth.A New Beginning is an invitation to reflect. Through its blend of texture, technique, and layered symbolism, the painting offers viewers an ever-evolving visual journey, rich with discovery, dialogue, and personal interpretation.

Where magic realism intersects with the metaphysical

Artist Studio: A Day in the Life, 2022 is a self-portrait that places the artist, Greg Deda at the left-centre of his studio, surrounded by the tools of his craft: tubes of oil, acrylic paint, a large, vibrant palette, and well-used brushes. The work not only portrays his physical likeness but also offers insight into his identity and artistic thought process. It reveals the reality of his creative world, where imagination, discipline, and aspiration merge during the making of each painting.

The canvas unfolds with layers of meaning, inviting viewers into a realm where magic realism intersects with the metaphysical. There is a richness here, an abundance of symbolic detail and narrative depth, that encourages the viewer to look closely, reflect, and interpret.

Magic Realism

Magic Realism is an art movement that, though nearly extinct in today's art world, once flourished with the works of renowned artists such as Paul Delvaux, Alberto Savinio, George Tooker, and Henry Koerner. Their paintings, found in prestigious international galleries and commanding millions at auctions, stand as testaments to the movement’s lasting influence. Emerging in the 1920s, Magic Realism was first defined by German photographer, art historian, and critic Franz Roh in his 1925 book Post- Expressionism: Magic Realism. The movement, both artistically and literary, is characterized by mystical atmospheres that invite viewers to engage deeply and interpret each piece in a highly personal way. The movement transitioned from Europe to America, and evolved into a style known for its realistic depictions infused with dreamlike, ambiguous compositions. The interplay with dreamlike, ambiguous compositions. The interplay between speculation and reality is at the core of Magic Realism, blending the ordinary with the extraordinary to create an immersive and evocative experience. The result is an art form that captivates audiences, drawing them into a world where realism meets the surreal.