Meaning: Wassily Kandinsky, a Russian painter and art theorist, made significant contributions to the development of abstract art in the early 20th century. The quote "The artist must train not only his eye but also his soul" reflects Kandinsky's belief in the importance of inner spiritual and emotional development for an artist, in addition to honing their technical skills.

Kandinsky was deeply influenced by theosophy, a mystical and philosophical movement that flourished in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Theosophy emphasized the exploration of the inner self and the spiritual dimensions of existence. Kandinsky's interest in theosophy and his own personal spiritual experiences shaped his artistic philosophy, leading him to believe that art should be a reflection of the artist's inner world.

In Kandinsky's view, the artist's eye, representing technical skill and visual perception, is only one aspect of artistic training. Equally important is the cultivation of the soul, which encompasses the artist's emotions, intuition, and spiritual awareness. Kandinsky believed that by nurturing their soul, artists could tap into a deeper wellspring of creativity and create works that resonate on a profound level with viewers.

For Kandinsky, the act of creating art was a form of spiritual expression. He saw colors, shapes, and forms as having intrinsic spiritual qualities that could evoke emotions and transcend the material world. In his influential book "Concerning the Spiritual in Art," Kandinsky explored the connections between art, spirituality, and the human soul. He advocated for a non-representational approach to painting, aiming to convey pure emotions and spiritual truths through abstract forms and colors.

Kandinsky's emphasis on training the soul aligns with the broader movement of abstract art, which sought to move beyond the literal representation of the physical world and delve into the realm of the intangible and the subconscious. By encouraging artists to cultivate their inner selves, Kandinsky sought to inspire them to create art that could communicate on a deeper, more profound level, transcending mere visual aesthetics.

In practical terms, Kandinsky's philosophy encouraged artists to engage in introspection, meditation, and self-exploration as part of their creative process. Rather than simply mastering technical skills, artists were urged to delve into their own emotions and spiritual experiences, seeking to imbue their work with personal meaning and authenticity.

Moreover, Kandinsky's quote also implies that the artist's role extends beyond mere craftsmanship. It suggests that artists have a responsibility to convey their inner truths and emotions through their creations, potentially inspiring viewers to engage with their own inner worlds. By training both the eye and the soul, artists can create art that transcends the superficial and connects with the fundamental aspects of human experience.

In conclusion, Wassily Kandinsky's quote encapsulates his belief in the profound connection between artistic expression and inner spiritual development. By emphasizing the training of the soul alongside technical skills, Kandinsky sought to elevate art to a higher, more transcendent plane, where it could resonate with the innermost depths of the human experience. This perspective continues to influence artists and art enthusiasts, reminding us that art has the power to move us not only visually but also spiritually and emotionally.