Art, theatre and magick

During her time as Artist in Residence at Swedenborg House, Gillian  McIver developed new work blending theatre, writing, art history, and live art. Into the Sublime: The  Eidophusikon Reimagined recreates the legendary  Eidophusikon. Originally designed by the 18th-century French painter Philip James de  Loutherbourg RA, the original Eidophusikon (1781), is often  recognised as a significant predecessor to cinema. It was a small scale theatre set that used dramatic paintings, lighting, fabric, glass, and smoke to produce theatrical effects. 

“I firmly believe that the Eidophusikon embodies the essential ‘missing link’ between the enchanting realms of film and the timeless traditions of theatre and painting,” Gillian says. “Loutherbourg’s unwavering dedication to magick and his profound conviction that art springs from his esoteric practices is fascinating. I hope that audiences will not only rediscover this extraordinary artist and his contributions to the theological-magical and cultural landscapes of art but also relish the unique work of the contemporary artists who enrich the visual narrative.”

The Eidophusikon – and its accompanying exhibition curated by Hanya Elghamry – explore spiritual and philosophical topics inspired by  Emanuel Swedenborg’s thoughts on the material world, the afterlife,  and the Divine. 

Artists Involved in the Project

Liane Lang (London) explores deep time and the tactile nature of the physical world in its relation to images.  @lianelangstudio

Shannon Rakochy (Newport, Wales)  Using chance and found imagery,  Shannon’s work is conjured from ideas of myth,  nature,  and feminist story-telling. @shannonrakochy

Marwan ElGamal (Cairo) interweaves technology, classical art and metaphysics in video and fine art oil painting. @marwan_elgamal

Nazir Tanbouli (Cairo) evokes interior mythic vistas in his painting and drawing, a spontaneous and urgent style that evokes dreams and nightmares. @nazirtanbouli

Natasha Redina (London) makes award-winning stained-glass art that reflects her work as a creative scholar of traditional healing, alchemy, Jungian psychology, and transcultural myth. @natasharedina

Anna Chiarini (London) draws and paints lived experience – her own, or real ones she re-imagines. @chiarini.anna

Takatsuna Mukai (London) composes and performs highly original music and soundscapes across genres and art forms. @takatsunamukai

Jagoda N. Winter (London) is an actress and performer. @jagodasumi

Into the Sublime is presented by Swedenborg House as part of the Artist  in Residence Programme

Eidophusikon by Gillian McIver, with the assistance of Mark Fairhurst / Bosco  Designs. 

Eidophusikon performed by Gillian McIver, Jagoda N. Winter and Natasha Redina. Exhibition curation by Hanya El Ghamry.

For more about Alchemy Theatre’s ongoing projects, please email  alchemy@artsite.org.uk

Special Thanks to Robert Poulter of the New Model Theatre for advice. Also to Mark Watson diz_qo for lights and expertise. The artists provided the original  custom-created art works which Gillian adapted for the Eidophusikon.