I had been eagerly anticipating my visit to The Getty Center Museum all week, looking forward to the William Blake exhibition that closes mid month. Sadly, and at the last minute, due to unforeseen circumstances, perhaps even an intervention from the gods themselves, I found myself unable to attend. In light of my disappointment and the hours I'd spent immersing myself in Blake's work, I've decided to produce a post to share and reflect on what I've learned about this enigmatic figure.
William Blake, an English poet, painter, and printmaker of the 18th century, is renowned for his profound and unique connection to the mystical, the occult, and prophetic themes. His work intertwines these elements and reflects his visionary approach.
My only exposure to the artist was through a literature class I took as an undergraduate student at California State University, Los Angeles. All I really recall was that Blake developed an interesting publication proces. I had no idea of his a occult and mystical side.
Blake's engagement with these worlds began early in his life, manifesting through visions that later became integral to his artwork and poetry. These visions were not mere artistic inspirations but glimpses into a deeper spiritual reality. His works, laden with symbolism drawn from alchemy, Christian mysticism, and Gnosticism, explore themes of transformation, spiritual enlightenment, and the quest for higher truth.
Blake saw himself as more than an artist; he was a prophet whose role was to convey spiritual truths to a world blinded by its own spiritual poverty. This prophetic voice is evident in his epic poems like "Jerusalem" and "Milton," where he envisions a world transformed through imagination and spiritual awakening.
The Prophetic Books
I learned through a documentary about Blake about his prophetic texts. "The Book of Los" and "The Book of Ahania" are exemplary of his deep engagement with mystical and occult themes. Apparently, they explore the cosmic struggles of Los, representing poetic imagination, against Urizen, the symbol of rational thought. My understanding is that these works allegorize the split between emotion and reason, a central theme in Blake's critique of Enlightenment rationalism.
"The Book of Urizen," a cornerstone in Blake's prophetic books, offers a rich and complex tapestry of mythological and philosophical ideas. It explores the nature of creation, the role of reason, and the potential for spiritual enlightenment, contributing significantly to Blake's reputation as a visionary artist and thinker.
Blake's Critique of Organized Religion
I think what resonates most with me and this artist is his occulted and critical treatment of religion. Blake's critique was not of spirituality or faith itself but of the dogmatism, hypocrisy, and authoritarianism he perceived in the religious institutions of his time. He championed a spiritual journey guided by personal insight and imagination, rather than adherence to prescribed doctrines, and critiqued the moralistic and judgmental attitudes he saw embodied in organized religion.
Jerusalem: The Emanation of the Giant Albion, one of William Blake's most ambitious and enigmatic works, is often considered the culmination of his artistic and philosophical endeavors. To fully appreciate what "Jerusalem" meant to Blake, it's essential to understand its thematic depth and symbolic complexity. I had occasion to read it today and here are some of my thoughts.1
At its core, "Jerusalem" is far more than a poetic narrative; it is a symbolic exploration of Blake's spiritual and visionary worldview. In this work, Jerusalem is not merely a city or a religious icon; it represents a state of spiritual and human perfection that Blake believed was attainable by humanity.
Set against the backdrop of the Industrial Revolution, Blake's "Jerusalem" is also a critique of the materialism and industrialization that he saw engulfing society. He envisioned Jerusalem as an antidote to the dehumanizing effects of industrial society, urging a return to a more harmonious and spiritually connected way of life.
Jerusalem, in Blake's vision, represents the journey of Albion, a symbolic figure of humanity, towards spiritual awakening. This journey involves the reconciliation of opposites and the reintegration of divided parts of the self and society. It is a transformative process leading towards unity, understanding, and a higher state of being.
In Blake's mythology, Jerusalem is also an emanation, a part of his complex system of symbolic characters. She represents the feminine aspect of divinity and is contrasted with other principal characters like Los, the embodiment of the prophetic and artistic spirit, and Urizen, the representation of reason and law.
Conclusion
My take on the man is best captured in one of his quotes. In a poignant reflection of his philosophy, Blake once wrote, "I must Create a System, or be enslav'd by another Man's; I will not Reason and Compare: my business is to Create." This quote powerfully encapsulates Blake's emphasis on creativity and individualism.
Though I couldn't witness the William Blake exhibition in person, delving into his world has been an enlightening journey. Blake's work, a fusion of the mystical, the visionary, and the revolutionary, offers a window into the mind of one of history's most profound artists and poets, whose legacy continues to inspire and challenge us.
It's a heavy read with a lot of characters so here's my summary:
The beginning of the book narrates Albion's fall into Selfhood and the initiation of Los's journey to restore Albion. Albion falls into self-centered isolation, leading to a spiritual and cultural decline that Los struggles to remedy through the construction of Golgonooza (city) and battles against negative forces. Then, Los and angelic beings endeavor to save Albion, who is entangled in his own destructive beliefs and the seductive influence of Vala, reflecting a complex interplay of spirituality and national identity. The third chapter critiques the violent and morally decayed state under Deist ideology, depicting Los and Jerusalem's struggle against the oppressive forces of rationalism and industrial chaos.
In a climax of spiritual awakening, humanity, through Jerusalem and Los, overcomes internal and external conflicts, leading to Albion's enlightenment and a universal reconciliation of love and forgiveness.