The Spiritual Value of Abstract Painting

Abstract art can have a significant social value by challenging and expanding our perceptions of the world, promoting creativity and imagination, and encouraging us to think critically and reflect on our emotions and experiences.

One of the most significant benefits of abstract art is its ability to offer an alternative way of seeing and interpreting reality. Unlike representational art, which aims to depict the world in a recognisable way, abstract art often presents a non-representational and highly subjective interpretation of reality. By abstracting elements of the world, artists create new perspectives and new ways of looking at the world, often challenging our assumptions and preconceptions. Abstract art also fosters creativity and imagination. Its non-representational nature frees the artist to explore new forms, shapes, and colours without being constrained by the rules of representational art. This can inspire us to think more creatively in our own lives, encouraging us to approach problems from different angles and find innovative solutions. In addition to promoting creativity and imagination, abstract art can also help us develop our critical thinking skills. Its often complex and layered compositions encourage us to look closely and analyse the work, asking questions about the artist's intent, the meaning of the artwork, and its emotional impact. Abstract art can add significant value to our lives by providing an opportunity for self-reflection and emotional connection. Abstract art often relies on colour, shape, and texture to convey emotion and mood, inviting viewers to explore their own emotional responses and connections to the work. By engaging with abstract art, we can develop a deeper understanding of our own emotions and experiences, and connect with others who share similar feelings.

There are a few key approaches and aesthetics of abstract art:

1. Colour field painting: Colour field painting is a style of abstract painting that focuses on large fields of colour. This technique encourages artists to explore the emotional and psychological effects of colour and how colours interact with each other.

2. Gestural abstraction: This style of abstract painting is characterised by energetic and spontaneous brushwork. It emphasises the physical act of painting and encourages artists to explore their own personal expression through movement and mark-making.

3. Hard-edge painting: Hard-edge painting is a style of abstract painting that focuses on clean, precise lines and geometric shapes. This technique requires careful planning and execution and encourages artists to explore the relationship between colour and form.

Despite these three differing aesthetics and approaches, they are linked not just through their abstraction but they can also be linked through their spirituality.

A note on the definition of spirituality to avoid the confusion some readers may have with religion or doctrine.

Spirituality, devoid of religion and doctrine, refers to an individual's personal connection to the transcendent or the divine, which does not necessarily involve adherence to any particular religious or doctrinal beliefs or practices. It can be viewed as a more subjective and individualised approach to exploring the nature of existence and human experience, beyond the confines of any particular religion or set of rules. For many people, spirituality devoid of religion and doctrine can involve a deep sense of interconnectedness with the universe or with others, a sense of inner peace and calm, and a commitment to personal growth and self-awareness. It may also involve practices such as meditation, mindfulness, and reflection, which can help individuals to connect with their inner selves and explore their own sense of purpose and meaning. Spirituality can also involve a sense of awe and wonder at the natural world and a deep appreciation for the beauty and complexity of the universe. It may involve a sense of reverence for life and a commitment to living in harmony with others and with the natural environment. Ultimately, spirituality devoid of religion and doctrine, is a deeply personal and individual experience, which can take many different forms and can be shaped by a wide range of beliefs, experiences, and practices. It allows individuals to explore their own sense of purpose and meaning, and to connect with something greater than themselves, without being bound by any particular religious or doctrinal framework.

Wassily Kandinsky, Mark Rothko, Sophie Cape and Emily Kngwarreye are four artists who explored the theme of spirituality in their work. Each artist had a unique approach to depicting spiritual themes, reflecting their personal beliefs and experiences. While Kandinsky, Rothko and Cape were both influenced by Western art traditions, (Sophie Cape owes much to her artist practice to fellow action painter, Jackson Pollock, Kngwarreye's work is rooted in her Indigenous Australian culture.

Kandinsky‘s paintings are described on their use of vibrant colours, geometric shapes, and abstract forms. He was a Russian artist who is often credited as the founder of abstract art. He believed art had the power to convey spiritual ideas and emotions that could not be expressed through traditional representational art.

In contrast, Mark Rothko was an American artist who is known for his large, colour field paintings, described on their large, rectangular forms, and their use of bold, monochromatic colours. Rothko's work is often interpreted as "meditative" and "transcendental." He believed his paintings could convey a sense of transcendence and spiritual contemplation.

Sophie Cape is a female Australian artist whose abstract expressionist art has its roots in action painting. She utilises an arts practice wherein she is completely immersed in the landscape and the act of painting with the landscape and using it, in a spiritual act of losing herself and becoming part of the material world.

Emily Kngwarreye was an Indigenous Australian artist who lived in the remote outback of central Australia. Kngwarreye's work is heavily influenced by her Indigenous culture and her spiritual connection to the natural world. Her paintings often feature abstract designs that are inspired by the patterns and shapes found in the Australian landscape.

When comparing the work of these four artists, it is clear that they each had different viewpoints on spirituality. Kandinsky's work is rooted in the belief that art can convey spiritual ideas and emotions. His use of abstract forms and vibrant colours reflects his belief in the power of art to tap into the spiritual realm. Rothko's work, on the other hand, is more focused on the meditative and contemplative aspects of spirituality. His large, monochromatic paintings are intended to create a sense of stillness and contemplation in the viewer. Rothko's use of colour is also significant, as he believed that colour could convey emotions and ideas that were beyond words. Cape‘s artistic practice is spiritual in regard to her immersion in the landscape and the act of painting. Meanwhile, Kngwarreye's work is grounded in her Indigenous culture and her spiritual connection to the natural world. Kngwarreye's work reflects her belief in the interconnectedness of all things and her deep spiritual connection to the land.

In summary, this article has briefly explored the why’s of abstract art, the who’s who of abstract art, and a common link between these artists that crosses time and space, and sex and colour. While Kandinsky, Rothko, Cape and Kngwarreye all explored themes of spirituality in their work, they each had a unique approach to depicting their spiritual connections.