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Painting is an art, and the art in its whole is not a vain objets creation which get lost in the void, but a power which has a goal and must serve to the evolution and to the refinement of the human soul, to the moving of the Triangle. It is the language which speaks to the soul, in its proper form, of things which are the daily bread of the soul and which it can receive only under this form.

Wassily Kandinsky#2

ArtSoulPurposeEvolutionHumanity

About this quote

What does it mean?
Kandinsky argues that art should serve a higher purpose by evolving and refining the human soul rather than just creating objects.
In plain terms
Art is not just making things for nothing it is a tool to improve people and talk to their inner selves.
What can you take from it?
Art should aim to elevate and refine the human spirit.

Where it applies

  • art education
  • social critique
  • personal reflection

Putting it to work

  • create meaningful work
  • align art with values
  • focus on impact over object

Questions to consider

  • What responsibility does an artist have to society?
  • Can art truly change the human soul?

Another view

Not all art aims to improve humanity; some exists purely for aesthetic or entertainment value.

More from Wassily Kandinsky

  1. But, as well as the body, the spirit fortifies itself and develops itself by the exercise. As a neglected body which becomes weak and finally impotent, the spi…

    Permalink to quote #1
  2. Is beautiful what proceeds from an inner necessity of the soul. Is beautiful what is inwardly beautiful.

    Permalink to quote #3
  3. Colour is a power which directly influences the soul.Colour is the keyboard, the eyes are the hammer, the soul is the strings.The artist is the hand that plays…

    Permalink to quote #4

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