Food for Thought - Kandinsky Retrospective Exhibition at Vanderbilt University

In summary, 3 fascinating lectures held by Vanderbilt Universities office of community, neighbourhood and government relations. It explored aspects of Kandinsky's influences and some of the driving forces in his art and life. I was struck by a statement by Reverend Dr. Emillie M. Townes in the lecture relating to materialism, religion and spirituality:

"As I experience Kandinsky he is painting a world that is sacred in all aspects, turning different elements for us to enter into the painting. To be in conversation with our inner selves, the spiritual that is both deeply internal and sublimely transcendent. This does not call for religious belief. It calls for a willingness of the viewer to let go of the material world and experience depths of meaning not tied to comforting objects. Kandinsky is painting the inephable that he finds in a spiritual universe, sounds and colours. God is in the detail and need not be named."

I found this a hugely helpful window to explore not only the personal impact of Kandinsky's work but other painters that I am already drawn to, particularly Paul Klee, Georgia O'Keeffe, Mark Rothko and others.


Here is the link to this lecture:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=riunLgPcpBI

The following link is to the lecture: Exploring Connections Through Music. I found this helped me understand and "see" Kandinsky's work in this new dimension and helped me understand what he may be trying to communicate. Emotion through colour and form.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CImYLB8NUGM

The final lecture which I also found illuminating was about the strong evidence that he was a synesthete. This extra sensorial experiencing is part of the gift within his art. The harmonies of the colour that he hears and communicates translate to me when I look at his work. It is dynamic and holds my attention, making me want to understand what he's saying and also what the colour language means, not as a functional language but an emotional language in the moment.

Here is the link to Kandinsky and Synesthesia:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O14leHpm5fc

These lectures were all found on youtube.