How Spirituality Went from Taboo to Trendy in the Art World: A Cultural and Artistic Reawakening

Over recent years, spirituality has experienced a remarkable resurgence within the contemporary art scene, evolving from a largely taboo or marginal topic to one that pervades major exhibitions, artist practices, and critical discourse. This shift reflects broader cultural transformations, where ancient traditions, wellness movements, and metaphysical inquiry intersect with modern artistic innovation. Exploring the ways spirituality has become trendy in art reveals deep societal yearnings for meaning, connection, and transcendence amid the complexities of 21st-century life.

The Resurgence of Spirituality in Contemporary Art: Context and Catalysts

The contemporary reemergence of spiritualist themes is aligned with a global cultural surge in New Age philosophies, mindfulness, and holistic wellness. Practices such as meditation, yoga, energy healing, and astrology—rooted in ancient spiritual traditions—have gained widespread popularity, reflecting a collective search for alternative paths to personal growth and healing. This widespread interest has naturally permeated the art world, inspiring artists to create works that integrate ritualistic practices, sacred symbols like chakras and sacred geometry, and immersive environments that foster introspection and spiritual alignment.

As detailed in The Resurgence of Spiritualist Art in Contemporary Culture, this interest serves as a counterpoint to overwhelming materialism and technological saturation—offering spaces for contemplation of “larger forces at play” and the mystical aspects of existence. Artists harness spirituality to evoke the sublime, metaphysical, and the magical, providing viewers with transformative experiences beyond mere aesthetics.

Spirituality’s Transition from Taboo to Trend

Historically, discussions of spirituality in art were often marginalized, especially within Western secular and academic contexts. Concerns about dogmatism or the conflation of religious belief with artistic merit contributed to this reticence. However, in recent decades, the growing interest in “true spirituality” that transcends doctrine—emphasizing universal quests for truth and love—has reshaped this view. As ArtWay.eu’s exploration of true spirituality notes, spiritual art today values authentic human connections to creation and calls for cultivation of shared meaning.

Contemporary artists are increasingly embracing spiritual philosophies and theological iconography to examine personal beliefs and make sense of the tumultuous modern moment. As captured in an Artsy editorial on spirituality in art, artists like Parviz Tanavoli articulate a desire for refuge and transcendence amid cultural anxieties related to war, consumerism, and conflict. This openness has allowed spirituality to become a powerful subject of inquiry rather than a sidelined ‘other.’

Noteworthy Spiritual Art Exhibitions and Artists in 2025

2025 has witnessed important exhibitions bringing spiritual themes to the forefront:

  • Tau Lewis’s “Spirit Level” solo show at David Zwirner Los Angeles features monumental sculptures embodying ancestral spiritual narratives and metaphysical connections, illustrating how contemporary artists weave personal and collective spiritual histories (David Zwirner exhibition).

  • Asian art exhibitions such as “Mapping the Infinite – Cosmologies Across Cultures” at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art explore humanity’s cross-cultural spiritual engagements and cosmic imaginings through centuries and continents (LACMA exhibition).

  • Galleries like Blade Study and Sara’s provide platforms for artists addressing spirituality through blends of religious artifacts and contemporary digital forms, heralding new languages for spirituality in art.

These shows are part of a broader trend emphasizing ritual, myth, and sacredness in painting and sculpture, responding to a collective yearning for authenticity and connection as explained in the recent Artnet News feature on sacred art.

Spirituality, Technology, and the New Artistic Paradigm

A distinctive hallmark of contemporary spiritual art lies in its interplay with technology. Artists like Rachel Rossin create digital and virtual reality works that transcend the physical, offering ethereal and immersive spiritual experiences. Electronic sculptures by Brian Oakes utilize light and sound randomness to evoke ritualistic wonder and divine mystery. This hybridization reflects a “digital divine,” where faith and technology merge to offer new realms of artistic and spiritual exploration (Young artists embrace spirituality).

The Broader Cultural Significance

The embracing of spirituality in contemporary art highlights a cultural shift toward integrating emotional, physical, and spiritual health. It challenges the dominance of materialistic values by emphasizing depth, meaning, and metaphysical reflection. As such, spiritual art does not merely decorate but acts as a conduit for transformation, healing, and renewed community connections.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why has spirituality become popular in the contemporary art world?
Increasing cultural interest in holistic wellness, mindfulness, and ancient spiritual practices has inspired artists to explore spiritual themes, offering refuge and meaning in uncertain times.

Q2: Are spiritual themes in art tied to specific religions?
No, contemporary spiritual art often transcends organized religion, drawing from universal metaphysical ideas, personal introspection, and diverse cultural traditions.

Q3: Can you name notable spiritual art exhibitions happening recently?
Exhibitions like Tau Lewis’s Spirit Level at David Zwirner Los Angeles and Mapping the Infinite at LACMA spotlight spiritual and cosmic themes in art.

Q4: How do contemporary artists integrate technology with spirituality?
Artists use digital media, virtual reality, electronic sculpture, and mixed-media installations to create immersive spiritual experiences that blend the physical and metaphysical.

Q5: Where can I find more articles about spirituality in contemporary art?
Relevant articles include The Resurgence of Spiritualist Art in Contemporary Culture, Artsy's editorial on artists embracing spirituality, and Artnet’s feature on spiritual art resurgence.

Q6: Is the trend of spirituality in art expected to continue?
While the future is uncertain, current cultural and artistic momentum indicates spirituality will remain an important theme as artists seek to respond to modern existential questions.

The rise of spirituality in the art world reflects a profound cultural moment where artists and audiences alike seek deeper connections and transformative experiences. This trend signals a new renaissance of meaningful art that bridges the sacred and the modern.

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