We have published an art book entitled 'Metamorphosis' which presents the work of 50 contemporary Surreal & Fantastic Artists. We have endeavored to compile a balanced publication, showing the extremes of both ‘light’ and ‘dark’ themes. The two extremes are usually presented separately, but we believe they belong together under the umbrella of human experience. By featuring the work of established artists such as Ernst Fuchs, Alex Grey, Victor Safonkin, Andrew Gonzalez, Martina Hoffmann, Laurie Lipton, Chet Zar, Kris Kuksi, Brom and Robert Venosa alongside that of relatively unknown – though extraordinary – artists, we have aimed to bring a host of new artists into the public eye. This book is the first of a series that will provide exposure for many more artists in future. Metamorphosis Volume 2.
$40 AUD plus postage (world wide).
ISBN: 9780980323108
Metamorphosis Vol. 1 is a Limited edition Hard Cover Art Book with a Dust Jacket, 112 A4 gloss pages, with 122 High res plates. Keep scrolling for examples.
Metamorphosis is also available in book shops across Australia through 'Tower Books' distribution.
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Click on names for examples of their work
"....Even when Fantastic art was strictly forbidden, such
as during the period when Russia was ruled by Brezhnev, knowledge of
this style of art continued to spread. One of my first students in 1952 in Paris was a very remarkable, talented person, a dancer, painter and tattoo fetishist, Vali Myers from Melbourne. We stayed in contact until her death in 2005. She and Mati Klarwein were my first followers in Paris, so it gives me great pleasure that another Australian admirer of my work should publish this book. Some of the names included here are very familiar to me, or have studied under my guidance and become excellent teachers themselves – artists such as Brigid Marlin and Philip Rubinov Jacobson. This book will carry a fundamental message to art lovers: Fantastic art has survived despite all official attempts to quench its spirit."
Ernst Fuchs 2006
"After entering Hieronymus Bosch’s Hell and Paradise or seeing Ernst Fuchs’ Burning Bush we are never the same again. When we are tired of the ordinary world and take nature for granted, we need to be shaken up so that everything is a miracle again. This is the mission of the artist. Jon Beinart has collected Visionary works of art for our delight and instruction, and I thoroughly recommend this art book both to artists and all those who appreciate art!"
Brigid Marlin 2006
"....And yet, the works of art gathered in this book also share those unmistakable traits. Each artist’s style and imagery bears witness to their temporary immersion into a more timeless Visionary state.
In this sense, the artists presented here, through their own unique style, become like cultures and epochs unto themselves, and the authenticity of his or her vision is attested by the ‘mysterious markings’ which invisibly arise in their works.
In an art book such as this, the perceptive viewer is invited to gaze upon a series of contemporary masterworks. She can compare and contrast them, in order to seek out the strange similarities that may inhere, the hidden sympathies and resonances that they share. As a result, these epiphanous images (all of them arising quite recently) show forth the new hidden signs, indicative of our own culture’s glimpse into the eternal Mysterium...."
"....Now, through the efforts of Jon Beinart and Surreal Visionary Art Forum, the Surrealists and Visionaries of the early 21st century have their own proper café. Granted, one member may be sitting in a Parisian café at 11:00 at night while the other is in a Canberran coffee-house at 8:00 in the morning. But, à travers le café-internet, the same exchange of ideas takes place. And - their exchange will be recorded, so that the gradual evolution of ideas will be preserved in a way that no café-discussion ever was.
The Surrealists would be envious."
L. Caruana, Copan Ruinas, April 2006
"....This unique book presents an art that dissolves the divisions between mind, body and Spirit. Such divisions that many accept as rigid and absolute begin to melt and change in the flames of the fantastic. Many of these artists feel that they are on a mission, following a vision like a task. They know that a task without vision is drudgery. They know that a vision and a task is the hope of the world. Metamorphosis offers us a body of creative workers who do so much to glorify the architectural spheres, the subtle circulatory systems of creation, the frightening and exquisite realms of embodied and disembodied spirits, the personas of paradise; indeed, the very heart of Hell and Heaven."
"....Visionary art, being an offshoot and kin of Surrealism, Fantastic Realism, Dada and Outsider art, taps into a cosmic conduit of creative cognition that allows the so-called Visionary artist access to the infinite iconography of universal form and colour, while at the same time, through the artist’s level of consciousness and technical skill, it provides us with imagery of potential states of the material and spiritual. Consciousness levels for the Visionary can be achieved through various methods and bestowals, and these might include yogic and meditative disciplines; learning from and resonating to higher levels of the intellectual and spirit guides and accomplished masters; sudden and divine enlightenment; and lucid dreamings and altered states brought about through ingestion of the manifold sacramental entheogens such as LSD, psilocybin and ayahuasca, among others. In my own experience, I must say that an abundance of inspiration and consciousness expansion has been transmitted to me in the form of the various sacramental entheogens. Psychedelics have probably had the most profound influence on my life since the zygote selected my gender. They have catapulted me from the most banal of deep-sleep consciousness levels up to the authentic Sun King’s hall of light, life and oil paint...."
Robert Venosa 2006
"Metamorphosis is a book that represents the work of 50 contemporary artists who epitomize the traditions of contemporary Surreal Art, Fantastic Realism, and Visionary Art. However, there is more to this book than the artists who grace its pages. It also serves as a catalyst for understanding the significance of these works within a historical context and for realizing the global reach that these movements have had. In that sense, Metamorphosis is a book that represents every Surreal, Fantastic, and Visionary artist-- past, present, and future.
Metamorphosis accomplishes this by containing essays by Ernst Fuchs and others that give historic validity to these forms of expression. The text offers information defining how contemporary Surreal, Fantastic, and Visionary art came into existence and how these forms of expression have made an impact throughout the world even though there are some who have tried to contain it-- tried and failed.
Many texts that I've read involving these styles have lacked this connection with art history. The connections revealed in Metamorphosis give the reader an idea of where to search for more information pertaining to the historic and contemporary significance of these forms of expression-- including a list of various online sources that readers can explore for themselves. It is great to find a book that introduces the reader to contemporary artists, such as Chet Zar, Laurie Lipton and Alex Grey, while making it clear that these contemporary works have a basis within the context of art history and that the imagery they portray has broad implications in our times and beyond."
Brian Sherwin (MyArtSpace.com), 2007
"Metamorphosis is a gorgeous looking art book, featuring some of my favorite surreal and fantasy artists. This recently released hardcover publication features 122 high res plates showcasing the work of artists such as Alex Grey, Andrew Gonzalez, Chet Zar, Robert Venosa, Ernst Fuchs and Mark Ryden... You can find some images of the inside of the book on this page, although the quality of artists listed speaks for itself. A wonderful addition to your bookshelf or coffee table."
Daily Grail, 2007
"The art book is very well crafted, and an outstanding tome covering a plethora of some of the greatest artists living. Art is intense and wonderful. I was very pleased with the entire presentation, and look forward to a second edition... It is a great complement to the film that I am working on Image, Reflection, Shadow: Artists of the Fantastic, and I cannot wait until I can unveil the movie to the many interested parties all over the world."
Jason Brock, 2007
"Metamorphosis by definition is about profound change. Most commonly in form, from one stage to another as a caterpillar to pupa to butterfly. A darker definition might be more like Kafka's story of Gregor Samsa who transforms into a giant cockroach overnight. Or darker still, a complete transformation of form and substance by Magic or Witchcraft.
Inside this art book you will find Mages of many mediums who each have the ability to reveal a different reality for us all. The conceptual artist Bruce Nauman said it best in his sculpture "Window". It reads "The true artist helps the world by revealing mystic truths". This collection of art is palpable, you can feel its power, its sway over the mind of the viewer. It imprints itself dynamically almost as witnessing an accident creates an indeleble mark on the psyche; Once viewed we will never be the same. The darkness and the light are shown through the minds of these visionaries. Not polar opposites, but all shades of experience.
Metamorphosis is itself a treasure, finely bound and of the highest quality materials and printing, true to the artists' vision. The profound statements of each artist is an enhancement to the viewing experience assisting the viewer's pleasure and insight.
Jon Beinart, The man behind Metamorphosis has united surreal and visionary artists through The Surreal and Visionary Art Forum, which held the largest collection of links and images to Surreal and Visionary artists, as well as a vehicle by which they may interact. This forum gave rise to the Beinart Surreal Art Collective, solidifying this important movement."
Deborah Valentine, 2007
"LIGHT, LIFE AND OIL PAINT, a review of a new art book, by Terrance Lindall.
Jon Beinart in Australia has published an art book entitled 'Metamorphosis' which presents the work of 50 contemporary Surreal & Fantastic Artists. The book features the work of established artists such as Ernst Fuchs alongside lesser-known artists. But lesser known does not mean of lesser quality.
The enormous scope of the surreal/visionary movement word-wide has not been fully revealed to the public until recently. The mainstream art world, although it has recognized a few of the artists of the movement, has not as of yet recognized the movement itself for what it is. That is the nature of the mainstream art world: plodding, slow to change, irritable when it has to. Jon Beinart’s mission is to facilitate that change through both his web site, which is a Who’s Who of the genre, and also through his publishing venture, which has been heralded by this gorgeous book. There are certainly many books on individual artists such as Robert Venosa and HR Giger, but there are few that try to expand upon the many great artists and place them side-by-side in comparison. Metamorphosis is one of the first to do so is a lavish production of highest quality.
In Metamorphosis art book, each of the 50 artists makes commentary on his or her approach to their art. To quote a few without naming the artists quoted:
“…timeless Visionary state. In this sense, the artists presented here, ‘mysterious markings’ glimpse into the eternal Mysterium...."
“…dissolves the divisions between mind, body and Spirit. the frightening and exquisite realms of embodied and disembodied spirits, the personas of paradise; indeed, the very heart of Hell and Heaven."
“resonating to higher levels of the intellectual and spirit guides and accomplished masters; sudden and divine enlightenment; and lucid dreamings and altered states…”
What we see in these artists is a use of their art as an exercise or ritual, nearly religious in nature, to reach a higher consciousness, or to explore the subconscious, both the light and dark dimensions thereof.
From what I have seen of the mainstream art world in New York City, recognition by the major museums for the contemporary surreal/visionary movement is not readily forthcoming, although some individual artists like Chris Mars have broken the barrier with shows at major museums here in the United States. The barrier will be broken over time, however, with publishing efforts like that of Jon Beinart, and the building of major collections. The museums of Fuchs and Giger in Europe and the museum traveling shows of Damian Michaels in Australia also work toward that objective. As long as the urge to vision and excellence remain, the movement will prevail in being recognized and accepted as a significant contribution to the exploration and interpretation of what is “man, mind and civilization.”
I highly recommend this book to all who appreciate art and publishing at its highest level."
Terrance Lindall, 2007
"Published by Jon Beinart, founder of the beinArt International Surreal Art Collective, Metamorphosis Art Book brings together the work of some of the best artists working in the Surreal, Fantastic Realism and Visionary art genres today. This visual journey takes you from the inspirational work of Ernst Fuchs, through Laurie Lipton's disturbing and painstakingly drawn images, to the spiritual-anatomical paintings of Alex Grey. Other familiar names include Chet Zar, Victor Safonkin, Andrew Gonzalez, Brom, Brigid Marlin, Peter Gric, Kris Kuski, Robert Venosa and Daniel Martin Diaz. Altogether, some 50 artists are represented in Metamorphosis, providing a wide ranging overview of these artistic movements. This is a nicely put together book, with comments from each artist alongside full colour images of their artwork. Even if you are not already a fan of Surreal or Visionary art, you are sure to find the images in this book fascinating and are bound to feel an emotional reaction to many of them. Metamorphosis is both inspiring and disturbing, and provides a glimpse into the minds of some of the most intriguing artists of the present day."
Little Chimp Society, 2007
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