Encountering the Way: Mysticism in Art

Explicitly or not, mysticism has long been a part of art and the creative process. Historically, artists believed themselves to be conduits to the muse; witnessing, as much as creating, their artworks. But as a culture of individualism and secularism emerged in the 19th century in the modern Western world, a move towards personal agency, ambition, and willpower pushed away from a sense of being connected to a larger unknowable whole. Unlike many other “isms” in Contemporary Art, mysticism is difficult to understand from an objective and analytical approach. This panel, hosted by the Services to Artist Committee, and open to everyone, will explore a variety of perspectives related to mysticism in art, from historical models to contemporary approaches.