Hamas’ Vision of Islamic Art, Caravaggio the Intense Extremist, the Arrogance and Heresy of Modern Art and Is Christian Art Oxymoronic?

February 21st, 2007 by Menachem Wecker

Although many consider Christian art “if the term itself is not indeed oxymoronic” to be “wildly successful if it rises to the level of bare mediocrity,” Middlebrow sees in Daniel Amos’ music as a “standing refutation of [Nietzsche’s] notion that faith kills art.” [Middlebrow]

The “Alabama Folk Art” show has a couple of religious participants. Rev. Howard Finster “often told of God calling him to make sacred art,” while the late Sister Gertrude Morgan of Lafayette “believed she was literally the bride of Christ and made paintings to use as a missionary tool.” [AP, via Ledger-Enquirer]

“The problems of Islamic liberation underlie the need for Islamic art which could lift the spirit, and instead of making one party triumph over the other, would lift up all parties in harmony and balance,” according to The Covenant of the Hamas. [Universal Awareness]

Caravaggio’s “St. John The Baptist,” pictured (though there are several version), is “so innovative” because it “changed the composition and aesthetic of religious art from balance, enlightenment, and calm to one of dynamism, struggle, and intensity. He used real life models. He painted in extremes, but they are the extremes of real life. When you look at the painting, it’s as if John the Baptist is right in front of you, suffering with his thoughts, in flesh and bone.” [queequegs]

A post on symbolism in Christian art, matching the various saints and other characters with their symbols. [Seeking the beatific vision]

“While the arrogance of modern art sets itself against God, Christian art history tells us that art is one of the finest expressions of mankind’s spiritual aspiration.” From an interview with Colin Kirton. It is well worth reading. [Agora]

And because I can’t seem to get off the Christian symbolism theme today, here is another discussion. “As in other aspects of Christianity, Christian Art and Architecture uses signs and emblems to teach and present religious truths,” but “With increasing secularisation, standardisation and popularisation of culture as well as of worship and church life, there is a risk of losing the rich language of Christian symbolism and seasonal observances.” [idle speculations]

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