Ask nine out of ten people what the purpose of art is, and they will say, “to express yourself.” In fact, art has many purposes, and self-expression is one of the least important. No one could mistake “The Star-Spangled Banner” or “Ave Maria” for expressions of self.
When we look out upon the world, we see two apparently contradictory principles at work: on the one hand, we see a bewildering welter of events seemingly without rhyme or reason; on the other hand, we see beauty, order, and the obedience of nature to laws systematically related to one another in a unity beyond the creations of painter or pianist. A work of art makes sense of its confusing and chaotic materials and gives us hope that the confusion and chaos so distressingly prevalent in the world ultimately make sense. The unity of a work of art reflects the unity of God.
A work of art, like any genuine intellectual activity, is a reflection of God. It is a participation in God. It derives its being from God.