The spiritual, the mystical and the sublime : an artistic search for the absolute

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Authors
Knackert, Bruce J.
Advisor
Marshall, Nina B.
Issue Date
1990
Keyword
Degree
Thesis (M.A.)
Department
Department of Art
Other Identifiers
Abstract

The purpose of this creative project was to explore the need of the artist to represent a spiritual consciousness in a material-dominated society. It was felt that a return to the mythical origins of art and a resurrected faith in the supernatural would help stimulate creativity, promote inward growth and enhance the evolution of consciousness. The artist examined mystical and philosophical literature which lead to the use of the concept of the sublime by nineteenth century landscape painters as well as the "Abstract Sublime" painters of the mid-twentieth century. Also important was the effect of the Theosophic Society's geometric iconography and color theories on two of the pioneers of abstract art, Kandinsky and Mondrian. These inquiries were incorporated into a large,; three-dimensional, mixed-media installation.

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