Religion and Art, at it again

Religion and art history have been intertwined since before anyone can remember. And actually, the church can be partly to blame for the creation of the artist, in it's modern understanding. The image of a God or Christ was something the public could latch onto before the written word was easily accessible or mass produced. Images were the avenue for the church to reach the public, much as picture books are the way for parents to communicate ideas to young children. Before widespread literacy, the only way to teach people the ways of the church was to communicate through picture, story, and alagory. In come the tradesmen, the painters, the sculptors, and through hundreds of years or refinement we see the best artists move to the top, breaking out of the "tradesmen" class and becoming the status that we still somewhat see today.

What's interesting is how much artists today have moved away from the church and now, if any mention of religion is made, it is usually negative. Understandable....the ideas of science, nature, and religion have completely flipped. Atheism is on the rise and artists, usually known for pushing new ideas and revolutionary thoughts, are part of the forefront.

But religion has called upon the arts once again. An exhibition, commemorating the 60th anniversary of Pope Benedict XVI, has called upon 60 artists to create works "that inspire truth and charity." Among the artists are famed architect Santiago Calatrava, known around here for the art museum, among many other famous painters, sculptors, videographers and photographers. I think it's a really interesting concept and opportunity. To somewhat recreate the communication and cooperation that brought art up from the levels of tradesmen, to work in the way that the ancient masters did, to create under the same patron. How many other chances do you have to physically connect with the great artists of the past?

Some artists didn't see it that way, however, and declined the invitation. And you know what? Alright...good for them. If they feel that strongly about the church that they do not want to take advantage of the opportunity, that is there decision to make. I however, would see it less as "promoting the church" and more as a learning experience for me, the artist, as well as a unique chance to connect with the great masters we owe so much to. Like it or not, artists owe much of the "status" they enjoy BECAUSE of the church and no matter how much we currently show our displeasure with them, we, as artists, at least have to accept the fact that our histories are very much connected and reliant on each other. For a rare instance in dealing with art and the church, it's not about ideas, beliefs, or faith...it's about fact.

Read the story below.
http://www.theartnewspaper.com/articles/Sixty-artists-for-60-years-of-Pope-Benedict-s-priesthood/24401