The Mission of Art: 20th Anniversary Edition [Paperback]

Twenty years after the original publication ofThe Mission of Art, Alex Grey’s inspirational message affirming art’s power for personal catharsis and spiritual awakening is stronger than ever. This book combines extensive knowledge of art history with phases of human consciousness evolution and shares firsthand experiences in creating art at the boundaries of madness and mysticism. Grey examines the roles of conscience and intention in the creative process, including practical techniques and exercises useful in exploring the spiritual dimensions of art. Challenging and thought-provoking,The Mission of Artwill be appreciated by everyone who has ever contemplated the deeper purpose of creative expression.“Alex Grey might be the most significant artist alive. In a world gone postmodern, bereft of meaning and value, cut loose on a sea of irony and indifference, Alex is taking a stunning stand: there is a God, there is Spirit, there is a transcendental ground and goal of human development and unfolding. Higher realities are available to us—that is the message of Alex Grey’s art and words in this book.”—from the foreword by Ken Wilber

Alex Grey's mission is nothing less than the transformation of our 'depleted world' through art that supports the evolution of human consciousness. He discusses the lives and work of artists throughout history, and his own journey, as examples of the higher mission of art, and encourages others to break out of the prevailing mood of irony and cynicism and create work with the heart and spirit. —Yoga Journal

An inspirational text for artists and for everyone else who has ever had a glimpse of art's power for personal catharsis and spiritual awakening. —Branches of Light

Grey's insistence that art should be a revelatory and healing force in our culture should resonate with artists in virtually any discipline. —Publishers Weekly