The role of spirituality in art education

Syed Gowhar Andrabi

Spirituality reigns supreme in art. Known as the driving force of art, spirituality is art's expressive vehicle as well as a special voice. Human history of arts has never been devoid of spiritual content; artists studied the relationship between art and the spirit for decades. However, during the nineteenth century, technological advancements temporarily eclipsed this relation. Thanks to the radical changes in the progress of arts, spirituality in art resurfaced again (Efland 1990). With the material advances falling short of human expectations in understanding the reality of self, 'arts began once again to be proclaimed as important sources of spiritual insight necessary for the welfare of society' (Efland 1990, p. 51). In view of this, many questions started to gain momentum in academic circles. Such as, when and how does spirituality manifest in art? Is spirituality in art and art education purely a religious concern? Is there a spiritual impetus that fosters creativity? While trying to explain these questions, researchers confronted a few more enquiries of equal importance. For example, what is the connection between spiritual and art education and why has this branch of art (spiritual in art education) received less attention in academic literature and art rooms (London 2007)? This study aims to shed some light on these questions and following on the findings, analyse (a) the role of spirituality in art and art education; and (b) how an artist-teacher can deal with the issues of spirituality in art making and classroom practices? For clarity, the essay initially focuses on spirituality, its position among children and art education. Next follows an investigation of the role of artist-teacher in nurturing the spirituality of children through art, including a brief account of my art practice. Finally, conclusions are drawn about my understanding of spirituality and the learning experiences of my students in the light of the aforementioned questions.

The Matrix

The Matrix is a series of interconnections and intricacies behind which lies the world of peace. This work provides new insight and perception to the viewer and counsels him that irrespective of the odds of life, an error free spiritual world is in waiting. The condition is to peep into the self and try to decode the matrix; keys of which lie within.

The matrix represents the false connections of world and sets the stage for growth of a soul to the higher realm, thus the story revolves around the negation of materiality and the benefits of spirituality. A soul’s struggle to free her from the shackles of materialism and enter into the reality or into a state, which no eye has seen and no ear has heard, is the core idea. Initially, the path may look obscure; however, may ease gradually with higher understanding, peace, and illumination. In totality, the work describes the secret operations of nature under the guise of intricacies and invites the viewer to explore the grand design.

The Matrix 1

This work is similar to The Matrix; however, the intricacies have simplified, and the corporeal body has left behind. The soul is waiting for an opening that would bring a new understanding and transcend to a higher level.

Opening of the Square

Opening of the square reveals the world beyond The Matrix. It informs the viewer about the path, the opening that would open doors to a new dimension and awareness.

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The Matrix

The Matrix 1

Opening of the Square