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Kandinsky is one of the most influential painters in modern times. He made his breakthrough into pure abstraction just before he wrote this essay. As you read it, look for his opinion of the the meaning and potential of abstract painting, the role of the artist, the nature of our times, and the role of art in human life. See whether you agree with his ideas about the social and spiritual role of the artist, especially in modern times.
"Every work of art is the child of its time: often it is the mother of our emotions."
Why does Kandinsky begin the essay with this thought? What does the sentence say about art history? About the role of art in culture? Stop and think about this for a minute, then keep reading Kandinsky and see if he says what you expected him to say.
Reflecting on the work he saw at the beginning of the 20th century, Kandinsky notices two similarities with past work. He says these two similarities are diametric opposites. One is superficial and has no spiritual significance; the other goes deeper. What are these two similarities? Which one does he think is superficial and which deeper, and why?
What does Kandinsky think is the mission of the artist in relation to Materialism? How might the artist carry out this mission?
Why does Kandinsky place such a high importance on abstract painting? What does he think such painting accomplishes that representational painting does not?
As the essay develops, Kandinsky is very specific about the emotional content of various colors. It is clear that for him, each color definitely has the emotional character that he attributes to that color. He also relates particular colors to particular sounds in a very definite and confident way.
Do you think Kandinsky is right to make these definite associations between colors, sounds and emotions? Besides appeal to your own experience, what other resources are available to you in forming an answer to this question.
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