Metaphysics and Art

Abstract art is often viewed as the effect of the artist’s creative imagination rather than of reason, which is considered to be a faculty lower than imagination and intuition. In this context, the perceived role of the imagination is expanded at the expense of reality, which is considered to be an obstacle to the artist. From the metaphysical point of view, man is incapable of giving existence to a created work as creativity is beyond human reach. The Greek conception of imitation (mimesis) was not merely replication, but a creative completion of reality, leaving a wide field for creative invention. Abstract art does not have its source within art itself, but in theosophy, which draws on the thought of ancient Gnostics.