Concerning the Spiritual in Art

Why is spirituality the supreme value in art, according to Kandinsky? Why is it more important than technique?

How does Kandinsky define form, and how does it relate to color? Consider his discussion in Chapter 6.

What social group(s) drive the spiritual revolution, according to Kandinsky? How do they make the revolution available to other members of society?

In Chapter 6, Kandinsky states that an artist may replace human figures in a painting with abstract shapes if they better serve the composition. Write a paragraph defending the position that human figures are necessary to preserve the expressivity and emotion that Kandinsky demands in art.

In Chapter 6, Kandinsky declares that “there is no ‘must’ in art, because art is free” (32). Do you believe this motto can be reconciled with Kandinsky’s claims elsewhere in the book about the need for an artist to adopt particular stylistic choices and points of view? Why or why not?

What is “primitive” art, according to Kandinsky, and is it important for present-day art?

Who, according to Kandinsky, are the Post-Impressionist artists and what is their significance?

Do you agree with Kandinsky’s equation of aestheticism (or “art for art’s sake”) with selfishness and materialism? Write a paragraph in which you formulate a more positive interpretation of aestheticism.