When the Artist Vanishes, Art Appears: A Philosophical Take on Art's True Purpose

In a recent essay for The FASO Way newsletter, Eugene Terekhin, author of Philosophy of Language, argues that true art transcends the artist's ego, inviting viewers into a sacred, participatory experience rather than mere admiration of technical skill. Drawing on Rupert Sheldrake's observations, Terekhin contrasts ancient cave paintings, which immerse viewers in the depicted scene, with post-Renaissance art that emphasizes the artist's individual prowess. He notes that in museums like the British Museum, visitors praise technique and composition but rarely engage with the spiritual essence of the works. Terekhin traces the word 'art' to the Proto-Indo-European root *ar-, meaning 'to fit together' or 'harmonize,' suggesting artists are harmonizers between heaven and earth. The essay features Elsa González's painting 'The Stone Canvas' (100cm x 150cm, oil on canvas, courtesy of The Almenara Collection), which depicts a woman painting cave walls, symbolizing the artist's isolated creative state. The piece also includes a work by FASO member Buck McCain, 'Ancient Shrine' (30" x 24", oil on panel). The article will be locked for paying members in two days, and FASO founder Clint Watson adds a note emphasizing the importance of art and artists, positioning FASO as a platform that promotes art and holds beauty sacred.