Art: the practice… amen.
September 2, 2011 in Art Blog
If you are wondering, you’ll be reading a lot on this subject since I am literally writing as I make art alternating between the two… Soo, the art practice questions always arise.. -What yo-gonna-do.
“Contemporary art is the religion of the agnostic”
I’ve read -more than once- that art is the religion of the atheist and agnostic. The art following ritual that could look like a pilgrimage to the weekly gallery openings, if you live in a large city, but if you are like me you go on a monthly basis (sigh) to offer your art devotion. One could argue that it is indeed a type of art-faith, the love of the devoted and faithful, looking for answers or maybe interesting questions to consider in your own life raised by a good piece of art. -I include the most banal artwork in here as well (have you been to an art fair lately?). All is to be considered.
I would like to propose that this art devotion is also a type of ritual for those who are not agnostic but consider themselves as spiritual. As it is also a poignant way to express your spirituality. Leaving the obviously religious art aside (sorry).
OK. At this point some of you may even feel uncomfortable (or offended?) at the mere insinuation of a spiritual element. So, I suggest, to choose another word. Words like, a greater knowing, or even the collective or common consciousness. The latter eludes to the fact that art appears (although this is not exclusive to art making) to have a certain amount of rhythm or that has cyclical lifespan. Have you noticed that a lot of art ideas come through at the same time as if artists from around the world are thinking mysteriously of the same type of things, or doing the same types of techniques? I’ve always been fascinated about this phenomena. It’s like if you have a good idea you better get on it and produce it because someone at the next town might just be doing the same thing you are.. and no you’ve never met or know the same people. Of course we can talk about the globalization/homogenization of our cultures and societies. But this article is not about that..
What I am referring to is the art or art practice that is about self discovery grounded in a spiritual understanding. That inner voice in which you choose, if you listen, to let it be outwardly expressed and heard may be the greatest power that you have as an artist. Granted, it is not an easy task.. listening. Even though this idea may or may not be a public subject it is something that drives my own search for visual expression.
And so it goes.. my search to listen and translate.
What drives you to create?
