I recently discovered this piece by Wassily Kandinsky, Russian artist and art theorist, (1866-1944). It represents an early work of this artist as he begins his transition from representation to abstraction, an art movement he pioneered. Kandinsky commented once upon seeing a more abstract painting that it held ”fairy tale power and splendor.” He is also quoted as saying, “the more frightening the world becomes .  .  . the more art becomes abstract.”

This work is an identifiable landscape scattered with Kandinsky’s own fairy tale power. It shows us Kandinsky’s immediate visual impression of a setting sun in many tints and shades. It seems to imply the splendor of light just before darkness.

As they were for Kandinsky, imagination and vision are wonderful gifts from God to each of us. We humans can use our eyes and hearts to live deeply into passing beauty, to make meaning in moments, and to give thanks as we “kneel standing” before God’s creation. May this be so for us in these times. Amen.

In gratitude, faith and hope,

Sandy Prouty  
Minister of Children and Families
Montview Church