The Drawing Center, located in New York City, is currently showcasing an exhibition of artwork that defies traditional explanation. Titled “Pictures Made by Angels and Spirits,” the exhibition features pieces that are believed to be created by supernatural beings.
The concept of “automatic drawing,” or the idea that the artist is not consciously creating the artwork, has been around for centuries. It is often associated with spiritualism and mediums, who claim to communicate with the spirit world to create their art. The pieces on display at The Drawing Center are a mix of historical and contemporary works that fit into this category.
One notable piece is a series of drawings created by Hilma af Klint, a Swedish artist who claimed to receive guidance from spirits. Her abstract works, created in the early 1900s, predate the art movements that they resemble by decades. The exhibition also features works by contemporary artists like Susan Hiller, whose “Channels” series features drawings made by people under hypnosis.
While the concept of artwork created by spirits may seem far-fetched to some, the exhibition is not meant to be a debate on the existence of supernatural beings. Rather, it is an exploration of the intersection between art and spirituality, and how these ideas have influenced each other throughout history.
The exhibition is also an opportunity to view some truly fascinating works of art. From intricate drawings of otherworldly beings to abstract shapes and colors, the pieces on display are both beautiful and thought-provoking. The fact that they may have been created by something beyond our understanding only adds to their allure.
Of course, the question of whether or not these works were actually created by spirits is ultimately unanswerable. But regardless of one’s beliefs on the matter, “Pictures Made by Angels and Spirits” is a unique and intriguing exhibition that offers a fresh perspective on the relationship between art and the unknown.
