Revelation vs Analysis

Revelation also eludes analysis. One can feed one’s ego by applying their intellect to a piece of art, analyzing it for substance and meaning and then attempting to convert it all back into words. And this is possible and often shines a thin beam of light over a part of the object of revelation (the art). And to the extent that sense and order is revealed by those words, the ego feels puffed up by its success or victory over the mystery. This can feel wonderful and often unlocks the sensual value of otherwise overly conceptual, incomprehensible art.

But this victory over the mystery is a small one when compared to the experience of the non-intellectual revelatory “art-moment”.  When the artist in creation or the viewer in the experiencing do so without the intellect stripping away all of the substance that cannot be put into words, they have the pure experience of revelation. This is an open channel to God, the atman, the Truth, whatever. 

The art is always smarter than the artist. The image is always more complete than the analysis. Stick with the image, the feeling, and have faith that this experience will move through you, will move you over time, beyond the boundaries of the particular art moment. If you analyze it, its power to move you is reduced even as you gain the pleasure and lesser power of comprehension.