Magical realism is a style of fiction writing in which magical elements are treated as a natural part of the story's setting. It's different from fantasy in that it's primarily about the setting. ~ The magical realism movement as a new form of social protest. In the mid-20th century, a literary movement developed in Latin America that expressed a new, deeply rooted form of writing. Realism can be a difficult movement to define. To put it simply, it is both a technical style and an artistic philosophy. Realism is essential to any artist's toolbox because it relies on fundamental skills. Even if you want to create more stylized or abstract art, having a realistic foundation will help you create impactful and emotional work.