Alchemy and Symbolism in the Work of Carlos Estevez

Authors

Irina Leyva-Perez, Florida International UniversityFollow

Document Type

Thesis

Degree

Master of Arts (MA)

Major/Program

Liberal Studies

First Advisor's Name

Carol Damian

First Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Chair

Second Advisor's Name

Juan Martinez

Third Advisor's Name

Kiriake Xerohemona

Keywords

Art, Alchemy, Carlos Estevez, Paintings, Sculptures, Carl Jung, Cuban Art, Transformation, Art History

Date of Defense

11-8-2012

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis was to explore how alchemy has influenced Carlos Estevez’s work through a study of the symbolic repertoire and the philosophical concepts associated with it in his art, particularly how these are expressed in his artworks and how alchemy has evolved thematically in his oeuvre. The study of alchemy influenced this artist so deeply that even pieces that were not primarily inspired by this philosophical system show traces of it, essentially by representing the concept of transformation, crucial to understanding the alchemical process. This thesis is based on Carl Gustav Jung’s idea of metaphysical transformation as one of the main aspects of alchemy, and on his theory of active imagination as a tool to represent thoughts through artworks. Alchemy transformed Estevez’s art, and by extension the way he approaches life, making him conscious of the importance of transmutation and alchemical concepts.

Identifier

FI12111905

Recommended Citation

Leyva-Perez, Irina, "Alchemy and Symbolism in the Work of Carlos Estevez" (2012). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 740.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/740