From Visionary Art To Integral Art
—–Written by Gaia Orion—–
One of the first articles I wrote on my blog was entitled ‘Finding my family in the art world’. In 10 years working full time on my art I have realized now that
visionary art in the art world is still avant-garde and is not well represented in galleries or museums
around the globe. We do have our own movement and prestigious exhibitions are hosted by various curators and visionary artists, but as far I see it, it is still an alternative fringe movement.
I am not giving up on the importance of ‘sacred contemporary art’ (another term for visionary art). It is a return of the sacred when our society has lost most of its spiritual landmarks at so many levels. Indeed we have not lost them just in religious circles, it is also reflected in our relationship to the planet and its disastrous present state, our disparate economy, the way we relate to each other in social justice and in so many other critical points humanity is facing.
We are in a spiritual crisis and positive art that connects us to ‘the source’, or simply our essence, is so needed right now.
As an artist, I am always looking for my peers and my place in the world. The past two years I’ve been really into the work of Ken Wilber and the Integral community that is springing up from this philosophy. The integral philosophy seems to gather and beautifully put into words all that I have learned through years of insight meditation and therapy, from being a parent, a self-made entrepreneur, from taking care of my health from the ground up, as well as from living in a natural environment in Canada.
Integral living, learning and becoming, gathers knowledge of worldwide traditions and puts it into an elegant system that helps us understand life better. It presents us with tools that enables us to grow up and wake up to become more fulfilled and simply happier human beings.
Without a doubt you can see in my artwork that I have always been interested in looking at what unifies us. In my own life I have found that there is not only one way but many ways. I have been dedicated to finding the various practices that help me become a better person in body, mind and spirit. In our society integral thought is being applied and is transforming many organizations, structures and businesses, from the inside out. And of course, the integral world has a place for artists!
Integral Art Exhibition at IEC 2016
Along with bringing a few of my original artwork I would like to showcase a new painting that I created this year. This large oil on canvas is a
map of the integral development stages.
Gaia Orion has gained international recognition by receiving awards and by participating in many worldwide projects that are working toward constructive world change. She has exhibited in Mexico, the USA, Canada, Spain and France. Her artwork has been featured in over 50 publications in Canada, USA, France, UK, Taiwan and China and her greeting cards and art medallion jewelry are sold in over 80 stores across North America and in Europe. Gaia originally hails from Paris, France, where she studied and graduated with honors as an architect from Ecole des Beaux Arts in 1997. With her creativity she has found her way of sharing and connecting deeply with people. Focusing on living a simple and healthy life allows Gaia the time and space to be sensitive and express the inspiration that arises.
Would you like to know more about this topic? Do you have questions for Gaia? Meet her in person at the Integral European Conference in May!