Book review

R.J. Collingwood, in his book The Principles Of Art, said, "The artist must prophecy not in the sense that he foretells things to come, but in the sense that he tells his audience, at the risk of their displeasure, the secrets of their own hearts." Alex Grey, in his new book, The Mission Of Art, identifies the secrets of our heart as the development of consciousness towards the recognition of Divine Presence as the basis of all existence, in fact, the very Ground of our Being. Grey's concern with spirituality permeates every page of The Mission of Art.

The development of individual consciousness is reviewed and correlated with our cultural development of consciousness. Art is one of our primary means of reflecting, expressing, and furthering this development. "The vast history of art opens us to multiple views of self and world, and this transcendental object pointed to art's continuing capacity to expand our hearts and minds."

Grey's admission of his own use of entheogens as a tool for spiritual growth and insight will be interesting to some and controversial to others, and may serve to facilitate a genuine dialogue on the merits of entheogens, rather than just the risks as is often the case. The Mission of Art is illustrated with many previously unpublished drawings that serve to reinforce Grey's theory of Art. His clear and straightforward style of writing is easy to understand and follow, and forcibly expresses his theory. I heartily recommend The Mission of Art to anyone with an interest in art, consciousness, spirituality, or entheogens.