Concerning the Spiritual in Art

1. Art is the Child of Its Time, Yet Prophetic

Every work of art is the child of its age and, in many cases, the mother of our emotions.

Reflecting and Shaping Culture. Kandinsky asserts that art is inextricably linked to its historical context, both mirroring the prevailing sentiments and, at its best, anticipating future emotional landscapes. Art is not created in a vacuum; it is a product of the cultural, social, and spiritual environment in which the artist exists. However, truly great art transcends mere reflection, becoming a catalyst for new feelings and understandings.

Rejecting Imitation, Embracing Essence. The author cautions against the sterile revival of past artistic principles, which he deems "aping." True connection with the past lies not in mimicking forms but in resonating with the underlying spiritual and moral atmosphere. This echoes the Primitives' focus on internal truths over external appearances, a path modern artists are now rediscovering.

The Spark of Inner Life. Kandinsky acknowledges the faintness of this "spark" in his own time, a period still grappling with the despair of materialism. This doubt distinguishes modern artists from the Primitives, whose faith was unwavering. The challenge for contemporary art is to nurture this fragile inner light, allowing it to grow into a guiding force for a world awakening from materialism.

2. The Spiritual Triangle: Art's Evolutionary Path

The life of the spirit may be fairly represented in diagram as a large acute-angled triangle divided horizontally into unequal parts with the narrowest segment uppermost.

A Hierarchy of Understanding. Kandinsky visualizes the spiritual life as a triangle, with each horizontal segment representing a level of understanding. The apex, occupied by a solitary visionary, embodies the most advanced consciousness, while the broader base represents the masses. The triangle is in constant, albeit slow, motion, with each level gradually ascending to higher understanding.

The Artist as Prophet. Within each segment reside artists, some of whom possess the ability to perceive beyond their immediate level. These artists act as prophets, guiding their contemporaries toward greater spiritual awareness. Conversely, those who are blind or deliberately obstruct progress are often celebrated by their peers, hindering the triangle's ascent.

Spiritual Nourishment and Poison. Each segment craves spiritual nourishment, which is provided by artists. However, what nourishes one level can be toxic to another. Art that caters to lower needs can drag down those striving for higher understanding, spreading "pestilence abroad." This underscores the artist's responsibility to offer true spiritual sustenance, not mere gratification.

3. Inner Necessity: The Guiding Principle of Art

THIS "WHAT" IS THE INTERNAL TRUTH WHICH ONLY ART CAN DIVINE, WHICH ONLY ART CAN EXPRESS BY THOSE MEANS OF EXPRESSION WHICH ARE HERS ALONE.

Beyond Materialism. Kandinsky emphasizes that true art transcends the mere reproduction of material objects. The artist's role is to divine and express the "internal truth," the soul of the subject, using the unique language of art. This "what" is not the objective reality of the material world but the subjective reality of the artist's inner vision.

The Question of "How?" The author acknowledges the importance of technique ("how?") but insists that it must be subservient to the "what?" When technique becomes the sole focus, art loses its soul and becomes a mere exercise in skill. The artist must allow their emotional power to overwhelm the "how?" to give free scope to their finer feelings.

Art's Unique Expression. Kandinsky asserts that art possesses a unique ability to express the internal truth, a truth that cannot be captured by science or philosophy. This expression is achieved through the artist's mastery of form and color, which are used to create a spiritual harmony that resonates with the soul. This inner truth is what separates true art from mere imitation or decoration.

4. Color as Vibration: The Soul's Keyboard

Colour is the keyboard, the eyes are the hammers, the soul is the piano with many strings.

Physical and Psychic Effects. Kandinsky explores the dual nature of color, acknowledging its immediate physical impact on the eye while emphasizing its profound psychic effect on the soul. The physical sensation is merely a starting point, a step towards the deeper spiritual vibration that color can evoke. This vibration is the key to color harmony.

Beyond Association. While acknowledging the role of association in color perception (e.g., red evoking flame), Kandinsky argues that color's influence extends beyond simple connections. He cites examples of synesthesia, where colors evoke other senses, and the use of colored light in chromotherapy, demonstrating color's direct impact on the body and soul.

The Artist as Player. Kandinsky uses the metaphor of a keyboard to illustrate the artist's role in manipulating color to create spiritual vibrations. The artist, like a musician, touches the keys (colors) to evoke emotions and harmonies within the soul. This underscores the artist's power to influence the spectator's inner state through the strategic use of color.

5. Form and Color: A Symbiotic Language

Form alone, even though totally abstract and geometrical, has a power of inner suggestion.

Interdependence of Elements. Kandinsky emphasizes the inseparable connection between form and color, arguing that they mutually influence each other's spiritual value. A yellow triangle, a blue circle, a green square – each combination evokes a unique emotional response. This interplay creates a rich and complex language for artistic expression.

Form as Outward Expression. The author defines form as the outward expression of inner meaning. It is the artist's tool for shaping the viewer's perception and guiding them towards a deeper understanding of the artwork. Form can be either representational, depicting material objects, or abstract, representing non-material, spiritual entities.

The Artist's Choice. The artist must carefully consider the choice of objects and forms, as each carries its own inherent appeal. The goal is to create a composition where the material and non-material elements harmonize, strengthening the overall spiritual message. This requires a deep understanding of the inner vibrations of both form and color.

6. The Artist's Role: Beyond Skill, a Spiritual Duty

To send light into the darkness of men's hearts—such is the duty of the artist.

More Than Dexterity. Kandinsky rejects the notion of "art for art's sake," arguing that the artist has a profound responsibility to uplift and refine the human soul. Mere technical skill is insufficient; the artist must possess a deep understanding of the spiritual power of art and use it to guide humanity towards greater awareness.

A Servant of a Nobler Purpose. The artist is not a self-serving "king of the castle" but a "servant of a nobler purpose." This requires constant self-reflection and spiritual development, ensuring that the artist's work is imbued with genuine meaning and not merely empty form. The artist's life, thoughts, and feelings are the raw materials for their creations.

Triple Responsibility. Kandinsky outlines the artist's triple responsibility to non-artists: to repay their talent, to create a pure spiritual atmosphere, and to produce creations that positively influence that atmosphere. This underscores the artist's immense power and the corresponding duty to wield it responsibly. The artist must have something to say, adapting form to its inner meaning.

7. Abstraction as Liberation: Towards Pure Art

The more abstract is form, the more clear and direct is its appeal.

Escaping Material Limitations. Kandinsky sees abstraction as a means of liberating art from the limitations of the material world. By moving away from representational forms, the artist can access a more direct and powerful means of communicating with the soul. This requires a gradual dematerialization of objects, replacing them with pure abstractions.

The Language of the Abstract. As artists increasingly use abstract forms, they and their audience develop a greater familiarity with the language of the abstract. This allows for deeper and more nuanced communication, as the inner appeal of form is no longer veiled by material associations. The artist must be blind to distinctions between "recognized" or "unrecognized" conventions of form.

No "Must" in Art. While advocating for abstraction, Kandinsky acknowledges that there is no absolute requirement to abandon material objects entirely. The key is to harmonize the appeal of the material and non-material, allowing the artist's inner need to guide their choices. Art is free, and the artist may use any form that their expression demands.

8. Harmony Through Discord: The Modern Aesthetic

The strife of colours, the sense of balance we have lost, tottering principles, unexpected assaults, great questions, apparently useless striving, storm and tempest, broken chains, antitheses and contradictions, these make up our harmony.

Embracing Contradiction. Kandinsky argues that modern harmony is not about smooth consonance but about embracing the inherent contradictions and conflicts of the modern world. This involves a willingness to use colors and forms that were previously considered discordant, creating a dynamic and challenging aesthetic.

Inner Contrast. The author emphasizes that the contrast in modern art is an inner contrast, one that stands alone and rejects the help of other principles of harmony. This reflects a deeper spiritual struggle, a search for meaning in a world that has lost its traditional moorings. This inner contrast is what gives modern art its power and its relevance.

Beyond the Single Surface. Kandinsky calls for a destruction of the theory of a single surface in painting, advocating for the creation of an ideal plane that transcends the material limitations of the canvas. This can be achieved through various techniques, such as manipulating line thickness, layering forms, and using color to create depth and movement.

9. The Stage Composition: Art's Total Synthesis

The achievement of the dance-art of the future will make possible the first ebullition of the art of spiritual harmony—the true stage-composition.

Combining Art Forms. Kandinsky envisions a future where different art forms – music, painting, and dance – are combined to create a "stage composition" that engages the spectator on multiple levels. This synthesis aims to create a more powerful and immersive experience, amplifying the spiritual message of the artwork.

Spiritual Movement. The stage composition consists of musical movement, pictorial movement, and physical movement, all interwoven to create a spiritual movement that reflects the inner harmony. This requires a careful orchestration of the different elements, using harmony and discord to create a dynamic and engaging whole.

The Theatre of the Future. Kandinsky encourages the reader to apply the principles of painting to the problem of stage composition, outlining the possibilities of a theatre founded on the inner need. This theatre would be a space for exploring the depths of the human soul, using art as a tool for spiritual transformation.

10. The Inner Need: The Source of True Beauty

That is beautiful which is produced by the inner need, which springs from the soul.

Beyond External Standards. Kandinsky concludes by reiterating that true beauty is not based on external standards or conventions but on the artist's inner need. This need is the driving force behind all great art, the source of its power and its ability to move the soul. The artist must be true to their own inner vision, regardless of what others may think.

The Soul's Leadership. The author quotes Maeterlinck, emphasizing the soul's capacity for beauty and its ability to lead others towards it. This underscores the transformative power of art, its ability to inspire and uplift those who are open to its message. The artist, as a servant of the soul, has a vital role to play in this process.

The Triangle's Ascent. Kandinsky emphasizes that this property of the soul is the oil, which facilitates the slow, scarcely visible but irresistible movement of the triangle, onwards and upwards. This is the ultimate goal of art: to contribute to the spiritual evolution of humanity, guiding us towards a higher state of consciousness.

Last updated: April 24, 2025