Composition V, 1911 | Wassily Kandinsky

Wassily Kandinsky was born in Moscow in 1866. He was a pioneer of abstract art. This work is the one of ten compositions he painted between 1910 and 1939. His art is akin to the works of Russian composer, Rachmaninoff.  Both filled their creations with emotion, intuitive and poetic. Their works also hold disorientation and uncertainty. Kandinsky once said that the word “composition” sounded like a prayer that could appeal to the soul of the viewer. This work contrasts the large area of grays and browns with the colorful and small border at the top of the work. The most prominent black line seems to pull us both toward the abrupt end and back to the winding horizon. It seems an apt metaphor now.

This work came to mind when I learned of the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. In these days as we mourn the loss of this remarkable woman and try to comprehend the blatant hypocrisy of Senate leadership, may we find the depth of our despair in this abstraction. And when we reach the bottom of that darkness, may we rise up toward the border of color, renewed in faith and action.

May we remember now that we are in the world but not of it. May we remember that we believe in the grace of God, in the power of goodness, in the truth of love. We believe in justice for all people. We believe in integrity and honesty. We believe in God’s providence and in the best of our human natures as God’s children. We believe that we live each moment in the presence of God, the Almighty, our Rock and our Redeemer.

As we lose another of our better angels in these chaotic times, may we remember that Justice Ginsburg fought to the end. As she faced down serious illness and debilitating treatment, she remained strong in her convictions and we can also. We can together look into the abyss seemingly opened at end of the black line in Kandinsky’s composition. We can face our fears and shadows in that important view. We can feel this loss deeply. And we can continue to fight for the justice of her life’s work.

May Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg rest now in peace.

In hope and faith,

Sandy Prouty