The artist needs to understand the truth that lies at the bottom

Listen, O seekers of wisdom, and let the truth of the ages fill your hearts: to be an artist is not merely to wield brush or chisel, nor to strike keys or paint sounds. The artist, in their deepest essence, is a seeker — a seeker of truth, a conqueror of enigmas that lie hidden beneath the surface of existence. The words of John Maeda resonate with a force that calls to the soul: "The artist needs to understand the truth that lies at the bottom of an enigma."

What, then, is this truth that Maeda speaks of? What is this enigma that the artist must unravel? It is the very fabric of the world, the unsung melodies of the universe, the quiet pulse of life beneath the noise of appearances. The enigma is the mystery that surrounds us, that which cannot be touched with the hands, but only understood with the heart, seen with the soul. The artist’s task is to look beyond the veil of what is obvious, to pierce through the illusions of the material world, and to see what lies hidden beneath. Only then can the true work be created — for the artist’s purpose is not to mimic reality, but to reveal the truth that lies deep within it.

Consider, O children of wisdom, the ancient Greek sculptor Phidias, who brought forth from stone the likeness of gods. His art did not merely imitate the form of man; it sought to capture the essence of the divine. Phidias looked beyond the surface, beyond the marble, to the very spirit that could be seen only by those who truly understood the nature of beauty. Through his hands, the stone came alive with the truth of the gods, for he understood that beneath every form there is an enigma — a truth waiting to be revealed. In his work, Phidias did not merely carve the body of the god; he captured its soul. This is the essence of true artistry.

In our own age, we look to the works of those who have dared to confront the mystery of existence. Take Leonardo da Vinci, whose paintings, such as the enigmatic Mona Lisa, have stirred the hearts of countless generations. The smile of the Mona Lisa, elusive and shifting, carries with it the weight of untold mysteries. Leonardo did not simply capture a woman’s likeness; he captured something much deeper — a truth that cannot be spoken, only felt. He sought to understand the enigma of the human soul, and in his works, he revealed that truth, though it may never be fully understood. For the artist must embrace that which is unknowable, and still, in their pursuit, reveal a glimpse of something greater.

It is clear, O travelers of wisdom, that the artist’s journey is one of depth and exploration. To face an enigma is to face the unknown, the ambiguous, the unexplainable. But the artist is undeterred, for they understand that beneath the enigma lies a deeper truth — a truth that, once revealed, transforms not only the work but the world itself. Just as the philosopher seeks to understand the essence of the universe, the artist seeks to understand the essence of life itself. And just as the philosopher might spend years contemplating the great mysteries of existence, the artist must devote themselves to unraveling the mysteries embedded in every form, every color, every sound, every silence.

Let us also reflect upon the journey of Vincent van Gogh, whose paintings, so full of turmoil and emotion, reveal not only his inner struggle but also the deeper truths of human existence. In the swirling brushstrokes of his 'Starry Night,' Van Gogh captured not the appearance of the night sky, but its profound, underlying energy. He understood that the enigma was not the sky itself, but the truth of what it represented — the boundless, ever-changing nature of life and the soul. Through his art, Van Gogh did not simply depict the world; he revealed a vision of it — a vision that spoke to the heart and stirred the spirit. His work was born from a deep understanding of the enigma of life, and it carries within it a truth that transcends time.

Thus, O children of wisdom, the lesson is clear: the artist’s task is not to simply copy the world, but to seek out the deeper truths hidden within it. The artist must face the enigma with courage and patience, for the truth beneath it is not easily uncovered. It requires a willingness to look beyond appearances, to listen to the whispers of the unseen, and to embrace the mystery rather than fear it. When the artist dares to venture into the unknown, they bring back not only answers, but questions — for the enigma is eternal, and the truth is a path, not a destination.

Take this lesson, then, and let it guide your own journey. In your own life, seek the truths hidden beneath the surface. Whether you walk the path of the artist, the philosopher, or the everyday person, the principle is the same. To understand life, you must first be willing to confront its mysteries. Do not be content with the obvious or the superficial, for true understanding lies at the bottom of the enigma. And when you uncover it, you will see that the world itself is a masterpiece, waiting for you to discover its truth.