From its founding, the Theosophical Society embraced art as a vital part of its fabric. Madame Blavatsky, a prolific writer and artist, launched The Theosophist in 1879, focusing not only on oriental philosophy, literature, and occultism but also on art. In the early 20th century, the Society’s Adyar Headquarters became a vibrant center for Eastern and Western art, with artists and programs blending both traditions. Thought-Forms (1905), co-authored by Annie Besant and C.W. Leadbeater, inspired early abstract art in the West. Amid growing unrest in the West, the Society offered a unique spiritual and creative refuge that was widely embraced by global art communities of the time.

The TS Adyar Art Project, initiated in September 2023, seeks to reawaken this rich heritage through archival research and conservation efforts focused on the Society’s collection in Adyar. Taking this legacy forward, the TS Adyar Art Project reclaims the role of art in shaping our future.

In this talk, Elif Kamisli will explore the artistic vibrancy of the Adyar Headquarters in the early 20th century, tracing the influence of Theosophy on global art movements, such as the work of Lawren Harris and the Group of Seven. She will also share the ongoing work of the TS Adyar Art Project and future plans to place art at the heart of the Society once again.