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5th out of 17 books
—
22 voters
The Mission of Art
by
Alex Grey,
Ken Wilber
This is an inspirational book about art's power to bring about personal catharsis and spiritual awakening. Alex Grey's reflections combine his extensive knowledge of art history and his own first-hand experiences in creating art on the boundaries of consciousness. Included are practical techniques and exercises that can be used to explore the spiritual dimension of art. Ch...more
Paperback, 272 pages
Published
March 13th 2001
by Shambhala
(first published December 1st 1998)
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An inspiring book for creative academics striving to shed conventional ways of thinking about art and returning to one's voice and authoritative power. The overarching thread for Mr. Grey is that one's power is linked to one's community and for a special few, linked to all of humanity. Although couched amidst catch-phrases of the current New Age/Conspiratorial movement (e.g. shamanism, chakras), the book can be read as a thorough exposition of an artist's spiritual trajectory. Recommended highly...more
I loved the art of Alex Grey while I was growing up, his work partially inspired me to take art classes at my high school which eventually led me to major in art while attending college. Back then I loved Grey's use of symbolism and his unique artistic vision which led me to other highly symbolic contemporary artists like Anselm Kiefer. I found this book on a bargain shelf and decided to give it a go because, lets face it, most artists aren't able to articulate their vision in words and I always...more
If you aren't familiar with world religion, mysticism, or perrenial theory then this might be a good introduction. Some of the lingo can take some getting used to, as most of the terms regarding spirituality aren't terms you hear every day. The book is also rich in art history, how to view art, and commentary on what art is today. With each read, you could find more and more material to expand upon and research yourself. If you read it with an open heart and an open mind, I find that it brings...more
Alex Grey, one the greatest living artists of our time, extols the virtues of art in this work that should be required reading for every Art History major and soul-searching Artist. Grey follows his journey of transformation from an angry alienated corporate artist into a conscious-raising visionary who believes strongly in the healing power of art. He also incorporates the work of other great artists in history. Great reminder on the role of art in society and easily applied to any discipline (...more
2007 wrote: A very talented man, Grey writes as well as he paints. After visiting his gallery in NYC this summer with Stacy, I became curious to know more about the artist. His immersion into art since his teens makes spiritual quest through art compelling and encompassing. From his first tendencies to shock the art world with sensationalist art in the 80's to his quest to show reverance to the energies and celestial beings that run through this world beneath our senses, his personal journey is...more
Alex Grey is one of my favorite artists, and thinks deeply about art and its purpose. However, he's a mystic, and his arguments hurt my brain. So intelligent, yet so credulous. Even so, his conclusions mostly line up with my humanistic views.
The book is brimming with wonderful art and quotes. I found it inspirational even if I didn't get there through mysticism.
The book is brimming with wonderful art and quotes. I found it inspirational even if I didn't get there through mysticism.
A profound writing and perspective on the what art is and what an artist can become. A book that any an all artist should read no matter where your at in your experience of creating.
I love alex's art work. so great on so many different levels. This book talks alot about his philosophy of art and the importance of an artist's intention while creating.
I do love Alex Grey and his approach to life and art. Sometimes he gets a little too preachy for me but I still enjoyed this book and his cosmic interconnections.
I read it and liked it, but find it hard to recall much of the content. recommended to anyone interested in art, its applications, spirituality, and hallucinogens.
Inspiring - helped let me let go of social shackles and see art itself the way I really wanted to...very good read
Good overview of art and spirituality fused together. Preaching to the choir for me; you're either into it or not.
Linda Burnham talking to the author/artist Alex Grey, "If you want to put yourself on the map, publish the map." (page 25)
5 stars despite the fact that he occasionally slips into new age jargon-y sentences that don't seem to break down into anything. But overall, he does a great job of identifying and elucidating the problems finding meaning in contemporary art, the need for artists to include the spiritual component in their work according to their experience, and ways of conceptualizing and acting on the integration of that impulse into one's creative work. Got this from the library, but I'm going to have to trac...more
It is nice.
Excellent book that I highly recommend for every artist. Alex Grey traces the evolution of human consciousness along side of the evolution of art. He gracefully asks and answers the question, "Why do we make art?"
I've read this book twice so far, in 2003 and 2006 and was delighted at the increased depth of understanding I experienced with just three years of personal growth since the first amazing read.
I've read this book twice so far, in 2003 and 2006 and was delighted at the increased depth of understanding I experienced with just three years of personal growth since the first amazing read.
I get what he is saying, but really a bit too idealistic for me, it is easy for him to say artists are a vessel for the spiritual, but when most of his works are created after taking psychedelics, even thought I do believe they tap into another area of the mind, how do drugs equal spirituality?
Apr 24, 2011
Anji
marked it as to-read
I am about half way through this book, but my energies keep taking me elsewhere. I love how he combines art with the spiritual aspect of life. It really is a good book. I need to stop checking books out from the library so I can finish the books I have at home!
Whether you are an artist or not, this book is full of delightful insight. Alex Grey writes with a beautiful perspective of an artist. His views on the world and the spiritual are amazing and inspiring.
Mar 12, 2008
Heather
marked it as to-read
So far, he thinks artists are a vessel of the Lord...I am not so sure...
Jul 26, 2007
Nathan
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
creative types
Shelves:
read-this-back-in-the-day
Fascinating insight into the mystical dimensions of art and creativity.
A good read for anyone who does anything creative.
May 16, 2013
Jonny
marked it as to-read
May 10, 2013
McD Crook
added it
May 10, 2013
Adam Ovadia
marked it as to-read
May 09, 2013
L
marked it as to-read
May 08, 2013
Ravi Patel
marked it as to-read
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