Illumination I Artist Statement
Occasionally, if one is blessed, there arises in the career of an artist a defining moment of opportunity. It is an instant when the forces of fortune come together to allow that artist the chance to reach out and change the world. The very essence of the practice of creating art is one of communion. The artist, through practice, strives for a moment of insight in which he or she may express, through the creations they make, an essential truth. The purpose of this expression is to make this truth available to others-to share it. When successful, this experience of mutuality serves to transform both the artist and his or her audience, serving as a vehicle for cooperative psychic growth. If science and mathematics are the languages most associated with the intellect, then art is the language of our emotions, our spiritual selves. If mankind is to achieve its greatest expression, it can only occur in an environment where the balancing of our intellectualand spiritual powers prevails. Until this state of existential equilibrium exists, mankind will be forever plagued by a basic moral deficiency.
In the end, the world is all of ours. What it is and how we exist together, create it together, is literally the quality of what our lives become. To stand beside the Chapel in its quest to advance the humane in all of us and improve the world is indeed a defining moment. It is humbling.
The chance to contribute to this important humanitarian project, one that places art once again at the threshold of human experience, is an honor beyond words. I am deeply grateful for the chance to be a part of it.
In the preface to the chapel’s book by Susan J. Barnes,
The Rothko Chapel - An Act of Faith , Dominique de Menil wrote: “As one learns walking by walking, we are learning togetherness by meeting others. Lovingly. It is an effort to expand the soul.”
So it is.
Walking together, lovingly, we can change ourselves
and the world around us.
It’s up to us. Each moment is indeed a defining one.
Michael Somoroff
New York City, February 2006
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