Arts Roundup: Thou Shalt Not Steal (Art) and Religious Wall Hangings
April 17th, 2007 by Menachem Wecker
Thefts of art from churches are rare in this country, but for some reason they plague Omaha. John Wilson, head curator of Omaha’s Joslyn Art Museum, has an idea why: “Churches don’t see these artworks as investments … They hang the paintings for spiritual purposes, and sometimes they may be a little too trusting.”
[Illicit Cultural Property]
Christians can hang crucifixes in their homes and Jews mezuzot. Ever wonder if Muslims, Buddhists and Hindus have similar home adornments? The answer seems to have something to do with calligraphy and statues.
[Thin Place]
The Anastasis Association, an international association for Christian art and intercultural dialogue, is bringing together the Pope and former Iranian president Mohammad Khatami.
[Zenit]
The number five thing wrong with Evangelicalism (of 10) is: “Too much building up of the Christian ghetto (bookstores, music, movies, media in general). Instead of making ‘christian’ art we should just make great art. We’ve got to stop declaring things ‘good’ just because it has a bible verse on it.” I wonder why people can’t be allowed to make good Christian art? Must the two be mutually exclusive?
[Mormon and Evangelical Conversations]
Mountain Masala is quite excited about the art of Christian artist He Qi.