Transcendental Painting Group

The group sought to produce artwork that would go beyond the superficial physical world. Their manifesto formulated their intention "… to carry painting beyond the appearance of the physical world, through new concepts of space, color, light and design, to imaginative realms that are idealistic and spiritual." Stylistically they were strongly inspired by theosophy, the ethereal art of Wassily Kandinsky and the mysticism of Nicolas Roerich. They frequently employed geometric compositions resembling constructivism and Bauhaus, but combined with vibrant colours and musical rhythms. The work of the TPG often had synesthetic qualities in an attempt to convey a transcendent, cosmic experience. The group understood their art as an expression of a spiritual appreciation of reality. == Manifesto ==

The Transcendental Painting Group was established with the aim to present and encourage a pure abstract art style, brimming with spiritual intent. The following is the group's manifesto, which was published in 1997 by the Jonson Gallery, University of New Mexico, with the title Vision and Spirit, The Transcendental Painting Group: The group remained active until 1942 and gained only modest recognition in its time. Recently, however, it has been reappraised, through exhibitions such as Another World: The Transcendental Painting Group, 1938–1945, arranged by the Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento. This exhibition, which has also been shown at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) and other venues, introduced the public to the visionary and spiritual aspects of the TPG's art. == Bibliography ==