Aries Book Series41 Enchanted Socialist Modernity

In this volume, contributing authors examine the multifaceted relationships between alternative spirituality and art within the context of socialist modernity in post-1945 Central and Eastern Europe for the first time. Central and Eastern Europe, a meeting place of diverse cultural traditions, remains a little-known area in terms of the relationship between art, spirituality and modernity. This pioneering book aims to change this situation. It was written in response to the question of what role alternative forms of spirituality—such as Eastern religions, esotericism and mysticism—played in artistic practices shaped by imposed secularization and Marxist ideology in post-war socialist countries. The articles collected in this volume reveal the complexity and ambiguity of these connections, shedding light on forgotten artists, works and themes. Through this book, we invite you to take part in the enchantment of exploring a previously unknown chapter in the history of modern art.