Faith in Art: Religion, Aesthetics, and Early Abstraction

Metaphysical thought has been excluded from the discourse on modern art, especially abstract painting. Joseph Masheck reveals how an underlying religiosity informed some of our most important abstract painters, such as Wassily Kandinsky, Kazimir Malevich, Piet Mondrian, and El Lissitzky. He contextualizes their art within historical moments and explores the appeal of certain themes, such as the Passion of Christ. Faith in Art offers a radical new theorization of the influence of religion over visual art.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 13 July 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Metaphysical thought has been largely overlooked in the discourse surrounding modern art, particularly abstract painting. Joseph Masheck's insightful work seeks to bridge the gap by exploring the connection between ideas of faith and the pioneering artists of abstract painting. By examining the works of Wassily Kandinsky, Kazimir Malevich, Piet Mondrian, and El Lissitzky, Masheck demonstrates how an underlying religiosity has played a fundamental role in shaping the thinking and practice of abstract painting from its very origins.

Masheck contextualizes these artists' art within the historical backdrop of the early 20th century, including the Russian revolution and the Stalinist period. He also delves into the allure of certain themes, such as the Passion of Christ, highlighting how these artists sought to express their spiritual beliefs through their artistic creations.

Faith in Art presents a groundbreaking theorization of the influence of religion on visual art. It challenges the exclusion of metaphysics from the discussion, suggesting that it has valuable insights to offer. This book offers a fresh perspective on a century of abstract painting, challenging prevailing notions and opening up new avenues for understanding and appreciation.

In conclusion, Joseph Masheck's Faith in Art is a seminal work that sheds light on the overlooked role of metaphysical thought in the realm of abstract painting. By connecting ideas of faith with the initiators of abstract art, Masheck reveals the profound influence of religiosity on the thinking and practice of these artists. Through his contextualization of their work within historical moments and exploration of specific themes, he offers a fresh perspective on a hundred years of abstract painting. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in art, spirituality, and the intersection of these two disciplines.

Weight: 530g
Dimension: 240 x 165 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350216976