Contemporary Visions: Refiguring The Esoteric; The Transformational Act of “Making” Magic

Abstract This exploration examines the design and material culture of magical art, ritual practice, and esoteric objects. It includes discussion on the objects of both historical and contemporary folk traditions and occult practices such as votive offerings, building magic, and ritual deposits, and draws on the methodologies of bricolage and heuristic practices as a means of theoretical underpinning. The exploration also considers esoteric objects, artifacts, and folklore practices from Britain and Ireland and then re-examines these practices through the art and design of contemporary makers currently working in the UK. Taking a reflective approach to design history and using first-hand interviews and reflections on the methods of artists such as Lucy Wright, Sally Gilford, and Becky Brewis, this explorative paper will discuss how these modern makers are rethinking occult themes and redesigning esoteric artifacts from a personal and social perspective, whilst working towards a goal of community and connection for both themselves and their audiences.