The ESTETRA Institute

The International Institute of Transcendental ArtTranscendental Art in 12 statements
1. In TA, artistic action is a moment of contact with the sacred and the depths of the self
2. In TA, growing artistically means rising spiritually
3. In TA, the aim is to work with higher levels of consciousness
4. In TA, the aesthetic goal coincides with the spiritual goal
5. In TA, the work of art is above all an energetic phenomenon
6. In TA, the perceiver is as important as the artist
7. In TA, the barrier between outer and inner landscapes is broken down, restoring the connection between what we do and what we experience while doing it
8. In TA, the artist is not an individual genius but a shamanic figure: a bridge between other realities and our own
9. In TA, art must fulfil the social function of raising consciousness
10. In TA, altered states of consciousness are explored and studied without drugs or other substances
11. In TA, there is no separation between daily life and artistic practice: art is not an escape from the world but another means of understanding it and finding our place within it
12. TA is a path toward inner unity, rejecting the subtle psychological violence that permeates us in order to identify new aesthetic models that are also new psychological, ethical and emotional models takes its name from the acronym of its teaching method: EXpression, TEchnique, TRAnscendence — ES.TE.TRA.©

It researches and develops the spiritual dimensions of art and spirituality within art. It works nationally and internationally within the philosophy and way of life of Universalist New Humanism, founded by Mario Rodríguez Cobos, known as Silo.

Its spirituality draws inspiration from “Silo’s Message”, which has a worldwide presence, particularly in the many Parks of Study and Reflection established in different parts of the world.
It collaborates with the worldwide network of Humanist Study Centres (HSC)Humanist Study Centres. The World Centre for Humanist Studies aims to develop, educate and disseminate the perspective of New Humanism, working towards social transformation and welcoming all those genuinely interested in research and projects directed towards this goal. As an organisation dedicated to the study and development of the sciences—including historiology, psychosociology, cultural history, economics, philosophy, anthropology and political science—it seeks to contribute to the humanisation of science and technology, with particular emphasis on education for all and especially for younger generations. It supports the growth of knowledge beyond the limits imposed by prejudices accepted as absolute, immutable truths, and promotes structural, dynamic, relational and critical thinking.

Its activities are primarily educational and are intended for artists and graduates in artistic disciplines. Many activities are also open to beginners and art enthusiasts.

The Institute has been active since 2005 and continues to develop. It has established several seminars and an annual course. At present, these activities take place only in Italy and in Spanish-speaking countries.

>>> Further reading

The objectives of the ESTETRA Institute