On the strange place of religious writing in contemporary art

Title

On the strange place of religious writing in contemporary art

Files

School/Department

School of Fine Arts and Communication

Description

Chapter 3

Keywords

Christianity and the arts, Art, Modern--21st century, CIVA

ISBN

978-0830850655

Publication Date

6-20-2017

Publication Source

Contemporary art and the church : a conversation between two worlds

Inclusive pages

37-46

Document Type

Book Chapter

Publisher

IVP Academic

City

Downers Grove

Disciplines

Art Practice | Christianity

Comments

The church and the contemporary art world often find themselves in an uneasy relationship in which misunderstanding and mistrust abound. On one hand, the leaders of local congregations, seminaries, and other Christian ministries often don't know what to make of works by contemporary artists. Not only are these artists mostly unknown to church leaders, they and their work often lead them to regard the world of contemporary art with indifference, frustration, or even disdain. On the other hand, many artists lack any meaningful experience with the contemporary church and are mostly ignorant of its mission. Not infrequently, these artists regard religion as irrelevant to their work, are disinclined to trust the church and its leaders, and have experienced personal rejection from these communities. In response to this situation, the 2015 biennial conference of Christians in the Visual Arts (CIVA) facilitated a conversation between these two worlds. The present volume gathers together essays and reflections by artists, theologians, and church leaders as they sought to explore misperceptions, create a hospitable space to learn from each other, and imagine the possibility of a renewed and mutually fruitful relationship. Contemporary Art and the Church seeks common ground for the common good of both the church and the contemporary art world.

On the strange place of religious writing in contemporary art


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