Robert Mapplethorpe: 'When I work, and in my art, I hold hands with God.'

When I work, and in my art, I hold hands with God.

The quote by Robert Mapplethorpe, "When I work, and in my art, I hold hands with God," encapsulates the profound connection between creativity, spirituality, and the divine. At first glance, this quote suggests that Mapplethorpe sees his artistic process as a sacred communion with a higher power, where he feels guided and supported. It reflects his belief that his artistic endeavors are not just solitary endeavors but rather a collaboration between himself and a divine force.This notion of holding hands with God while creating is significant in that it highlights the deep sense of purpose and transcendence that artists often experience when they are fully immersed in their work. Mapplethorpe's words convey a sense of surrender to something greater, where he recognizes that his creative expression is not solely a product of his own skills and abilities but is also influenced by a force beyond his control.The concept of holding hands with God opens up a philosophical exploration into the nature of creativity and its connection to spirituality. It suggests that art, in its purest form, is a channel through which we can tap into the universal creative energy that permeates everything. It implies that artistic inspiration is not self-contained but flows from a source beyond human comprehension.Comparing Mapplethorpe's sentiment to other artistic perspectives, we find that not all artists perceive their creativity as a divine collaboration. Some may view their process as a purely intellectual exercise or an expression of personal emotions and experiences. However, the idea of holding hands with God invites us to consider an alternative view—one where creativity becomes a spiritual practice, a means of connecting with the divine.This concept echoes similar ideas found in various traditions. In Hinduism, for instance, artists embrace the belief that their creations can become a pathway to the divine. Through intricate dance forms or detailed paintings, they seek to invoke this spiritual connection. Similarly, in Sufism, the mystical branch of Islam, artists employ their craft as a form of devotion and a way to experience divine union.By embracing the belief that art is a sacred act, Mapplethorpe aligns himself with a long-standing tradition that reveres creative expression as a form of worship. In this context, his quote serves as a testament to the power of art to transcend mundane existence and tap into something greater than ourselves.In conclusion, Robert Mapplethorpe's quote, "When I work, and in my art, I hold hands with God," captures the profound intertwining of creativity and spirituality. It highlights the notion that art, when seen as a spiritual endeavor, becomes a pathway to connect with a higher power. While not all artists may share this perspective, Mapplethorpe's words invite us to reflect on the transcendent nature of creative expression and the potential it holds to unite the artist with something divine. This concept, rooted in a long-standing tradition of perceiving art as a sacred act, encourages us to view artistic creation not merely as a human endeavor but as a divine collaboration.