Exploring the Spiritual Essence of Abstract Art: Kandinsky’s Vision and Beyond

Abstract Art
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Art has traditionally served as a medium for evoking a sense of the spiritual, often through depictions of religious themes that convey the humanity of the divine, the essence of meditation, or the ideal of order. This spiritual connection has been evident in various artistic traditions, such as Christian portrayals of Christ on the Cross, Buddhist images of the Buddha in deep meditation, and Islamic decorative art characterized by intricate geometric patterns. However, as we entered the 20th century, the visual arts began to embrace a wide range of aesthetic expressions that were not necessarily linked to spirituality. The assumption that all art aims at beauty was no longer the norm in the West. Instead, art increasingly became a platform for emotional liberation, political criticism, and hedonism. This shift prompts us to question whether the spiritual can still be found in abstract art.

Kandinsky’s Endorsement of Abstract Art

One artist who unequivocally answered “yes” to this question was the Russian painter Wassily Kandinsky. In his seminal work “The Art of Spiritual Harmony,” published in 1919, Kandinsky championed the idea that abstract art can convey profound spiritual experiences. He believed that non-representational art, which does not depict visually recognizable objects, is more likely to capture the inner essence and purity of spirituality. Kandinsky’s influence on the development of abstract art in the 20th century cannot be overstated. His emphasis shifted from representational images to the appreciation of the interplay of lines and colors in abstract compositions, marking a departure from traditional artistic norms.

For Kandinsky, the term “spiritual” encompassed feelings of awe, wonder, and depth of experience. He argued that true art should go beyond mere ornamentation, good taste, or intellectual intrigue. Art, in his view, should provoke a profound sense of wonder, prompting viewers to connect with their inner selves. By expressing their inner lives on canvas, artists could foster greater sensitivity in viewers, potentially deepening their spirituality.

Kandinsky’s use of the word “spiritual” extended beyond awe and wonder; it also encapsulated notions of beauty, joy, harmony, fresh perspectives, and innocent simplicity. In essence, he believed that abstract art could serve as a conduit for these multifaceted spiritual experiences.

Kandinsky’s Influence on Art

While Kandinsky praised artists like Paul Gauguin, who sacrificed conventional forms to express inner emotions, he aimed to go even further by creating art devoid of natural references. Kandinsky’s theory rested on the notion that abstract art eliminates symbolic references that might tether the viewer to earthly pleasures or sentiments. By detaching art from the tangible, he believed his work achieved a purer form of spirituality.

Abstract Art and Subliminal Perception

It is worth considering whether abstract art creates a sense of transcendence through subliminal symbols, both known and unknown to the artist and viewer. Kandinsky pointed out that artists like Picasso and the Cubists, despite their intricate lines and curves, often assigned titles to their works that harked back to the natural objects that inspired them. These word symbols might subtly bias viewers toward the artists’ intentions, raising questions about the true nature of abstraction’s spirituality.

A Contrast with the Spiritual School of American Art

Kandinsky’s approach contrasts with that of the 19th-century “spiritual school of American art,” whose artists sought to convey ideals rather than materiality. They believed that natural objects could represent inner truths, drawing inspiration from Emanuel Swedenborg’s theory of correspondence. Swedenborg proposed that spiritual qualities could be intuitively perceived in the natural world. Artists like William Page, George Innes, and William Keith aimed to imbue their paintings of natural objects with this deeper meaning.

Kandinsky, however, offered a different perspective. He introduced the idea of “art for art’s sake,” emphasizing the neglect of inner meaning. His approach moved away from representing inner truths through natural forms.

Islamic Art and Non-Representation

Islamic art, like abstract art, often avoids the representation of living forms. This tradition stems from the belief that the creation of life is unique to Allah, and portraying animals and plants could be seen as a form of idolatry. This perspective aligns with Swedenborg’s theory that as cultures developed, they moved away from external perception and began to worship objects like idols rather than appreciate them as reminders of spiritual qualities.

Individual Differences in Art Appreciation

Ultimately, the appreciation of art is highly subjective. What one finds aesthetically attractive may not resonate with others. Art’s subjective nature means that artists and viewers alike bring their unique perspectives and interpretations to each piece. While some may find spirituality in abstract art, others may connect with it on a purely emotional or intellectual level.

In the realm of art, subjectivity reigns, and the search for the spiritual in abstract art continues to be a matter of personal exploration and interpretation.