Art and Faith Through the Ages

The Rothko Chapel, Mark Rothko, founded by John and Dominique de Menil 1964-67.
Hand painted Byzantine icon of the Virgin and Child.

The Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem, 691 A.D.


Artistic Expressions of Faith in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam: Sacred Spaces Through the Ages

The Cincinnati Art Museum

Wednesday, March 12. 6-7:45 pm

FREE

A lot of lectures at the CAM cost money, so this would be an excellent opportunity to attend one of their amazing lectures for free. James Buchannan, the director of the Edward B. Bruggeman Center for Dialogue, Xavier University, will "discuss the role sacred space has played in religion from archaic times to the present - from the simplest cave or totem to the most elaborate synagogue, mosque or cathedral." I think this lecture is unique because it traces the relationship between art and religion from the beginning of time until now. Art and religion are very much interconnected, even in the most contemporary pieces.

It has been pointed out, moreover, that just because a work of art draws upon certain religious themes, images, or traditions does not mean that its purpose is religious instruction or inspiration. It is impossible to study art history in its entirety without examining and having some knowledge of, at least, the basic religious principles of major religions and religious movements. A lot of contemporary work, moreover, is influenced by the imagery of the past which was, in large part, based upon religious beliefs. Above I have included some of my favorite examples of both the traditional and the radical.

The first picture, The Rothko Chapel, is one of my favorite works of all time. It was founded in Houston, Texas as a sanctuary for people of all beliefs and was inspired by the works of the abstract expressionist Mark Rothko. It currently hosts the religious ceremonies of many different faiths and is meeting place for those who rally for and support human rights. Like churches, temples, mosques, and other places of worship throughout the world, it is free and open to the public as a sanctuary. It reminds us of the major artists of the past who were commissioned to paint for major churches (i.e. Leonardo da Vinci, etc).

The second, the Byzantine icon of the Virgin and Child, reminds us of the plethora of mother and child images throughout the history of art. From the beginnings of Christianity, to Mary Cassatt (1902), to Damien Hirst (see Mother and Child Divided, 1993) this image has been repeated ad nosiam.

The Dome of the Rock is easily one of the most significant examples of the way in which art and religion are greatly intertwined. It is extremely important and unique because it is a sacred place to Muslims, Jews, and Christians alike. It is the oldest Islamic shrine and is believed to be built over the sacred stone from which the Prophet Mohammad ascended into heaven. For Jews, it is the place where Abraham prepared to sacrifice Isaac. In the middle ages, moreover, Christians and Muslims alike believed that the dome was the biblical Temple of Solomon. It represents, perhaps, the way in which people of all religions are forced to coexist in the same territory (although not necessarily in a peaceful manner).

http://www.cincinnatiartmuseum.org