A Grace of Sense - theological aesthetics

  Having no training in visual arts, I hesitate to analyze paintings, modern ones in particular. However, I came across artworks that unpredictably opened a spiritual view that I decided to share in this post. Alvar Gullichsen (b.1961) is a Finnish artist, who has formerly been celebrated for his cartoon-like works (such as Disney-influenced "Posankka") and the imaginary engines of Bonk Factory. Lately, he has been fascinated in geometrical patterns that create a three-dimensional ambiance that seems to surround the beholder.  Gullichsen acknowledges that he surveys mystical philosophy and is interested in spiritual traditions. As a theologian I immediately asked: what kind of spirituality is involved in these abstract paintings? What is the message they convey? The first paintings were technically excellent, they created an illusion of being part of the universe that the painting contained. One felt to be inside a huge, round tube, for instance, Recurrent geometrical pattern