Wassily Kandinsky (1866-1944) was a Russian painter and art theory pioneer. He painted many abstractions like Composition IV joining color and line to share his inner life and moods. This inner life was unique in and of itself because of his neurological condition called synesthesia. Synesthesia is joined perception. Kandinsky saw colors when he heard music and heard music when he painted. This is a fascinating window into his abstraction represented here.

Composition IV is a large piece measuring 63 inches by 99 inches. It hangs in the Guggenheim in NYC. This crowded composition calls us to imagine color and music joined and to possibly hear our own notes and rhythms as we suspend analysis and look for genius.

Kandinsky is quoted as saying:

Color is the keyboard, the eyes are the harmonies, the soul is the piano with many strings.

 
What could the world possibly need more now than color that inspires our eyes to music our souls play? On this spiritual level, I believe God is undeniably part of the process whether the artist names that or not. God is in the new and sometimes crazy paths through life that artists show us. What could the world need more now than this opening of mind and heart by a somewhat confounding visual prayer?

We give thanks for the artists that through time and now move us beyond the world as it is and open us to a kingdom that will someday come. Can you hear this painting? Let’s all try. Amen.

In gratitude, faith and hope,