Riding Couple (1906) by Wassily Kandinsky

Riding Couple (1906) by Wassily Kandinsky is a painting that expresses the artist's personal and spiritual beliefs. Kandinsky was a pioneer of abstract art, and his work often reflects his interest in spiritualism and the use of color to evoke emotions. In Riding Couple, the abstract forms and vibrant colors convey a sense of movement and energy, which may be interpreted as a representation of the spiritual journey of the riders. The painting also reflects Kandinsky's belief in the power of art to transcend the physical world and connect the viewer with a deeper spiritual reality.

Wassily Kandinsky (1866-1944) was a Russian painter and art theorist who is considered one of the pioneers of abstract art. He was born in Moscow and studied law and economics before turning to art in his late twenties. He studied at the Munich Academy of Fine Arts and later taught at the Academy of Fine Arts in Munich. Wassily Kandinsky was deeply interested in spirituality and mysticism throughout his life, and this influence is evident in much of his art. He was a member of the Theosophical Society, an organization that sought to understand the relationship between the physical and spiritual worlds, and he was also influenced by the teachings of theosophist Helena Blavatsky. In 1911, he published a book titled "Concerning the Spiritual in Art," in which he argued that art should be a direct expression of the artist's inner feelings and emotions, rather than a representation of the physical world.

Kandinsky believed that art should be a way to connect with the spiritual realm and that color, specifically, had the power to evoke spiritual emotions in the viewer. He believed that each color had a unique spiritual meaning and could be used to create a sense of harmony and balance in a painting. He also believed that abstraction was an important tool for creating spiritual art, as it allowed the viewer to connect with the painting on a deeper level, beyond the physical representation.

Kandinsky's work was also deeply personal, and it is said that he often painted to express his inner emotions. The painting of "Riding Couple" is a great example of how his personal experience, interest and spirituality was reflected in his art.