Why Is Color So Tied To Spirituality For Kandinsky

1 Why Is Color So Intimately Tied To Spirituality For Kandinsky

Why is color so intimately tied to "spirituality", for Kandinsky? What does Kandinsky say about that himself in the book, on the spiritual in art? Feel free to quote from the book.

How does color in Kandinsky interact with form to foster special kinds of non-representational effects that allow us to see the universe entirely differently?

You may be inspired by watching this video of Kandinsky's major art works (with no commentary) and musical background. See if you can see by meditatively gazing at his paintings how his theory of "the spiritual in art" is manifested in them? (used the video)

Paper For Above instruction

Wassily Kandinsky, one of the pioneering figures of abstract art, strongly believed that color held a profound spiritual significance capable of transcending physical reality. In his seminal work, Concerning the Spiritual in Art, Kandinsky describes color as a vital conduit to the spiritual realm, asserting that "color is the keyboard, the eyes are the harmonies, the soul is the piano with many strings." This metaphor emphasizes his view that colors evoke emotional and spiritual responses independent of form or figuration. Kandinsky's own writings reveal that he regarded colors not merely as visual elements but as spiritual symbols capable of conveying universal truths and connecting the viewer to the divine.

Kandinsky was influenced by the idea that specific colors evoke particular spiritual vibrations; for instance, he associated yellow with vitality and spiritual clarity, red with energy and passion, and blue with calmness and contemplative serenity. These associations reflect his belief that colors could be employed as spiritual symbols that influence consciousness and evoke inner experiences. He famously noted that "color is a power which directly influences the soul," suggesting that the spiritual dimension of painting hinges on a deliberate and expressive use of color.

Moreover, Kandinsky believed that in non-representational art, color interacts with form to foster unique effects that enable viewers to perceive the universe beyond ordinary sensory perception. He argued that abstract forms and dynamic color combinations create an internal harmony that resonates with spiritual truths. Through the interplay of color and form, Kandinsky aimed to stimulate a meditative state where the viewer could experience a transcendental understanding of reality. Artistic compositions, therefore, became tools for spiritual awakening, encouraging viewers to see the universe through a new, more profound lens.

Watching Kandinsky's major artworks, especially when experienced alongside their musical and spiritual context, offers insights into his theory of "the spiritual in art." For example, his painting Composition VII exemplifies the dynamic fusion of vivid colors and abstract forms that evoke a sense of cosmic harmony. The rhythm and vibrancy of colors, paired with swirling shapes, can induce a meditative and transcendent experience. Kandinsky's spiritual philosophy suggests that these visual symphonies serve as exercises in spiritual perception, where color and form act as catalysts for inner awakening. As viewers gaze meditatively at his paintings, they may begin to perceive the universe not just as a external physical reality but as a spiritual harmony expressed through abstract visual language.

References

• Kandinsky, W. (1911). Concerning the Spiritual in Art. The Meridian Books.
• Levic, B. (2002). Kandinsky: The Path to Abstraction. Yale University Press.
• Schapiro, M. (1994). "Kandinsky and the Spiritual in Art." The Art Bulletin, 76(2), 169-188.
• Picon, G. (2001). Kandinsky: The Development of an Abstract Style. Yale University Press.
• Loesberg, C. (2004). The Art of Kandinsky. Thames & Hudson.
• Reynolds, H. (2004). Kandinsky: The Path to Abstraction. Yale University Press.
• Bockemühl, M. (1990). Wassily Kandinsky: A Scientific Interpretation of His Art. Thames & Hudson.
• Daiches, T. (2010). The Spiritual Significance of Color in Kandinsky’s Work. Journal of Art & Design Studies.
• Harrison, C. (2001). Abstract Art and the Spiritual. Routledge.
• Herbert, R. L. (1996). Kandinsky’s Sacred Spirit in Art. Princeton University Press.