Media reports today are that House Speaker-to-be John Boehner (R-Ohio) is telling the Smithsonian Institution to pull an video that features images of a ants crawling over a crucifix or else face tough funding scrutiny when the new Republican majority takes control in January. House Majority Leader-to-be Eric Cantor, a born-again Christian-Jew (R.-Va.), even called on the Smithsonian to pull the entire exhibit on Lesbians & Gays. No matter what happens, this is story is going to be around for a long while.
Tuesday, 30 November 2010
Start a new tradition this year by giving the gift of religious art in honor of loved ones. The gift is a simple but important part of continuing the journey of faith in America through artistic expression. We've selected the following three museums to support because of our cornerstone strategy help others continue the journey of religious expression in America. We invite you to join us with the knowledge that your gift will keep supporting artists and interfaith communities for years to come.
Our three recommendations for 2010 are below. Pick one or all, and please share your choice with others:
Our three recommendations for 2010 are below. Pick one or all, and please share your choice with others:
- Museum of Divine Sculptures | Canton, OH - A 501(C)3 founded to rescue and restore ecclessiastical statues in a reflective and respectful museum setting. With your help the museum can open in early 2011. To donate, click link.
- Museum of Contemporary Religious Art | Saint Louis, MO - Located on the campus of Saint Louis University, MoCRA is the first interfaith museum of contemporary art that engages religious and spiritual themes. Make checks payable to "Saint Louis University" and specify "For MoCRA." Checks can be mailed to: "Museum of Contemporary Religious Art, St. Louis University, 221 N. Grand Blvd., St. Louis, MO 60103, ATTN: Fr. Terry Dempsey."
- Museum of Biblical Art | New York City - The Museum of Biblical Art celebrates and interprets art related to the Bible and its cultural legacy in Jewish and Christian traditions through exhibitions, education and scholarship. To donate online to MoBIA, click link.
by James Hipps
It’s not too often I get to church. I really haven’t found one that I feel completely at home in, but it is something that I find important so I continue to search for a place of worship.
It’s not too often I get to church. I really haven’t found one that I feel completely at home in, but it is something that I find important so I continue to search for a place of worship.
Even though I’ve yet to find the house of God that suits me best, I can honestly say I try very hard to maintain objectivity when visiting various houses of worship as I realize not all places are for all people. However, my most recent visit to a service was the first time I've ever gone to church, then had to go home to pray that I wouldn't go to hell for going…to church that is.
As much as I hate to admit it, if I’m going to be honest, this encounter could be the direct result of my dark side coming to surface.
As I mentioned, on a Sunday not too long ago, I woke up, showered and put on some nicely pressed clothes and headed to the Sunshine Cathedral. I had read online this was a gay-friendly church and I thought perhaps this may be a good place to look. Being that I've never attended a service there before, I had no expectations. I went in with an open heart and mind.
As I entered, I found my way back to the last row of seats in the sanctuary. I typically like to sit in the back, especially on a first visit as it allows me a better view of what’s going on and how services are conducted.
Shortly after finding my seat, I was a bit startled as I noticed I was chuckling a bit...something I really didn't know I was doing. But I quickly figured out why, as I noticed not one, not two, but three gentlemen in close proximity that had very bad, and poorly placed toupees. But, I was quickly relieved as I knew the only reason I was laughing is because this reminded me of an old episode of 'Everybody Loves Raymond' where Raymond bumps the guy in front of him at church to straighten his toupee. So, as you can see, I was really laughing at 'Everybody Loves Raymond', not the people in the congregation. Whew, I quickly thought. I'm not going to burn in hell for that one.
Then I forced my observations elsewhere before anyone noticed me snickering under my breath. But as I look around, what do I see? I see a guy wearing a leather vest (no shirt underneath) assisting the choir as they prepared to parade to the front of the church. OK, I thought. Here's diversity, a leather daddy praising God. Good for him! But still, it made me wonder. Did he just leave the bar and come to church? Although I couldn’t see his lower half, I was keeping my fingers crossed he had on something other than chaps. Oh Lord, I thought, please forgive me for being judgmental in your house! It was starting to get warm.
As the service began, it was nothing unusual. The choir commenced singing and the church leaders paraded down the isle towards the pulpit. As I watch the procession of the choir and the last members were making their way down the isle, I noticed, just a few rows in front of me, an extremely flamboyant man seated next to a woman. They were both holding their arms up in praise and seemed more than elated to be in church. Good for them, I thought as the choir concluded their first hymn. Finally I felt as though I could settle down into the experience. Then, all of a sudden, the couple I previously noticed a few rows in front of me started chanting loudly...something I couldn't comprehend. Perhaps they were speaking in tongues I thought, but whatever it was, I laughed, this time out loud! I had to bite my tongue (hard) to refrain. Oh Lord, please forgive me! I know not why I do what I do.
Being a little red faced at this point, I was happy to hear the voices of the choir commence again, so I closed my eyes for a moment and thought, just breath and listen to the voices. As I listened however, I couldn’t help but to hear the sound of a guitar and drums, so I simply had to open my eyes to see. This wasn’t the typical music one may expect to hear in a church, and the choir director was loudly playing guitar and needless to say, the music was, well, let me put it this way. I've been to many predominately Black churches and LOVE the soulfulness of the choir. I’ve also been to many predominately white churches and have enjoyed the glorious sound of traditional hymns, but for some reason, all I could think of now was that I should be wearing Birkenstocks and smoking pot. I glanced across the members of the choir and noticed one brown skinned man, and one brown skinned woman in the choir of about 30. The thought immediately crossed my mind. Lord PLEASE let them take this choir over. Lord please make the rest of them stop singing followed by Lord, please forgive me for my sins.
As much as I hate to admit it, if I’m going to be honest, this encounter could be the direct result of my dark side coming to surface.
As I mentioned, on a Sunday not too long ago, I woke up, showered and put on some nicely pressed clothes and headed to the Sunshine Cathedral. I had read online this was a gay-friendly church and I thought perhaps this may be a good place to look. Being that I've never attended a service there before, I had no expectations. I went in with an open heart and mind.
As I entered, I found my way back to the last row of seats in the sanctuary. I typically like to sit in the back, especially on a first visit as it allows me a better view of what’s going on and how services are conducted.
Shortly after finding my seat, I was a bit startled as I noticed I was chuckling a bit...something I really didn't know I was doing. But I quickly figured out why, as I noticed not one, not two, but three gentlemen in close proximity that had very bad, and poorly placed toupees. But, I was quickly relieved as I knew the only reason I was laughing is because this reminded me of an old episode of 'Everybody Loves Raymond' where Raymond bumps the guy in front of him at church to straighten his toupee. So, as you can see, I was really laughing at 'Everybody Loves Raymond', not the people in the congregation. Whew, I quickly thought. I'm not going to burn in hell for that one.
Then I forced my observations elsewhere before anyone noticed me snickering under my breath. But as I look around, what do I see? I see a guy wearing a leather vest (no shirt underneath) assisting the choir as they prepared to parade to the front of the church. OK, I thought. Here's diversity, a leather daddy praising God. Good for him! But still, it made me wonder. Did he just leave the bar and come to church? Although I couldn’t see his lower half, I was keeping my fingers crossed he had on something other than chaps. Oh Lord, I thought, please forgive me for being judgmental in your house! It was starting to get warm.
As the service began, it was nothing unusual. The choir commenced singing and the church leaders paraded down the isle towards the pulpit. As I watch the procession of the choir and the last members were making their way down the isle, I noticed, just a few rows in front of me, an extremely flamboyant man seated next to a woman. They were both holding their arms up in praise and seemed more than elated to be in church. Good for them, I thought as the choir concluded their first hymn. Finally I felt as though I could settle down into the experience. Then, all of a sudden, the couple I previously noticed a few rows in front of me started chanting loudly...something I couldn't comprehend. Perhaps they were speaking in tongues I thought, but whatever it was, I laughed, this time out loud! I had to bite my tongue (hard) to refrain. Oh Lord, please forgive me! I know not why I do what I do.
Being a little red faced at this point, I was happy to hear the voices of the choir commence again, so I closed my eyes for a moment and thought, just breath and listen to the voices. As I listened however, I couldn’t help but to hear the sound of a guitar and drums, so I simply had to open my eyes to see. This wasn’t the typical music one may expect to hear in a church, and the choir director was loudly playing guitar and needless to say, the music was, well, let me put it this way. I've been to many predominately Black churches and LOVE the soulfulness of the choir. I’ve also been to many predominately white churches and have enjoyed the glorious sound of traditional hymns, but for some reason, all I could think of now was that I should be wearing Birkenstocks and smoking pot. I glanced across the members of the choir and noticed one brown skinned man, and one brown skinned woman in the choir of about 30. The thought immediately crossed my mind. Lord PLEASE let them take this choir over. Lord please make the rest of them stop singing followed by Lord, please forgive me for my sins.
So I quickly thought, I have to redeem myself by learning a lesson, but what's my lesson? Then it came to me, I have an appreciation for the wonderful and energized music found at many Black churches I've attended. I also have an appreciation for the more traditional music one may expect to find in many predominately white churches. Lord, thank you for giving me that appreciation! Whew, not all was lost yet...so I thought. As the choir continued however, the director turned to the congregation and asked everyone to join in by clapping their hands...Lord, thank you for giving me rhythm! It’s something these white folks simply don't have...and oh; please forgive me for being judgmental in your house once again.
Soon there after, the pastor started his rather bland and generic sermon. I seriously thought it must be something he found on the back of a Cheerios box while he had his breakfast. It wasn't too far into the sermon I started to think about a blog post I recently read about people who talk endlessly and how the author had to imagine slowly choking certain people to silence to get through it, which seemed to help quit a bit actually. But again, feeling guilty I found myself desperately seeking a message in the sermon to take home with me. I couldn't possibly go to church and not learn something I thought. When all of a sudden it came to me. Thank you lord for giving me patients to get through this. Oh, but wait a minute...that may not be a great lesson. Now I'm afraid I may have just committed another sin in the house of God. I feel the temperature rise.
Then came time for the collection plates to be passed. I pulled a five-dollar bill out of my wallet, and the thought went through my mind, Lord, please let this money go to someone in need. But as they passed the collection plates, one of the choir members broke out in an operatic solo. It was at this time I took that same blog posting I mentioned a step further and envisioned putting my head through one of the stained glass windows; something I knew would be far less painful then enduring that voice. Oh Lord, please forgive me. I’ve sinned again.
After the collection plates were passed, it was time for communion. I didn't partake. I wasn't sure what it was, but the Lord knew to keep me seated in silence for this one. Instead, I closed my eyes, and drifted away to a warm sandy beach. Thank you Lord for giving me this vision of what I'm going to do after I leave your house today!
When communion was over, I was brought back to the here and now by something I've not been witness to before, a second passing of the collection plates. I thought geez; I guess they didn't get enough the first time (again chuckling to myself). But this time was different. The rather 'queenly' Reverend, a heavy set, middle aged, white man, danced the Charleston while the plates were passed. I really couldn't make this up. I was amused and confused. I opted to leave the other five-dollar bill I had in my wallet. I was absolutely sure I would need it for an adult beverage after this service was over...Lord; please forgive me for my sin. It’s getting really hot now.
But I wanted to take time to reflect on what I had witnessed and maybe I’d have a different view. But as I summed it up in my mind, I thought, ok, if they'd fire the pastor, fire the choir, ask the congregation to follow a dress code that included shirts and only passed the collection plates once, this may be a nice church. Oh Lord, please forgive me!
As the Benediction commenced, I felt a huge sigh of relief and was glad I was positioned on the end of the last pew. I gathered my keys and sunglasses beside me, scoped the exit and as soon as I heard the last amen, I got in my daily dose of exercise by running for the door and sprinting to my car before a bolt of lightning came out of the sunny sky and struck me down.
Fortunately I made it home safe and found my way to the beach. Lord, thank you for giving me that!
Amen!
Soon there after, the pastor started his rather bland and generic sermon. I seriously thought it must be something he found on the back of a Cheerios box while he had his breakfast. It wasn't too far into the sermon I started to think about a blog post I recently read about people who talk endlessly and how the author had to imagine slowly choking certain people to silence to get through it, which seemed to help quit a bit actually. But again, feeling guilty I found myself desperately seeking a message in the sermon to take home with me. I couldn't possibly go to church and not learn something I thought. When all of a sudden it came to me. Thank you lord for giving me patients to get through this. Oh, but wait a minute...that may not be a great lesson. Now I'm afraid I may have just committed another sin in the house of God. I feel the temperature rise.
Then came time for the collection plates to be passed. I pulled a five-dollar bill out of my wallet, and the thought went through my mind, Lord, please let this money go to someone in need. But as they passed the collection plates, one of the choir members broke out in an operatic solo. It was at this time I took that same blog posting I mentioned a step further and envisioned putting my head through one of the stained glass windows; something I knew would be far less painful then enduring that voice. Oh Lord, please forgive me. I’ve sinned again.
After the collection plates were passed, it was time for communion. I didn't partake. I wasn't sure what it was, but the Lord knew to keep me seated in silence for this one. Instead, I closed my eyes, and drifted away to a warm sandy beach. Thank you Lord for giving me this vision of what I'm going to do after I leave your house today!
When communion was over, I was brought back to the here and now by something I've not been witness to before, a second passing of the collection plates. I thought geez; I guess they didn't get enough the first time (again chuckling to myself). But this time was different. The rather 'queenly' Reverend, a heavy set, middle aged, white man, danced the Charleston while the plates were passed. I really couldn't make this up. I was amused and confused. I opted to leave the other five-dollar bill I had in my wallet. I was absolutely sure I would need it for an adult beverage after this service was over...Lord; please forgive me for my sin. It’s getting really hot now.
But I wanted to take time to reflect on what I had witnessed and maybe I’d have a different view. But as I summed it up in my mind, I thought, ok, if they'd fire the pastor, fire the choir, ask the congregation to follow a dress code that included shirts and only passed the collection plates once, this may be a nice church. Oh Lord, please forgive me!
As the Benediction commenced, I felt a huge sigh of relief and was glad I was positioned on the end of the last pew. I gathered my keys and sunglasses beside me, scoped the exit and as soon as I heard the last amen, I got in my daily dose of exercise by running for the door and sprinting to my car before a bolt of lightning came out of the sunny sky and struck me down.
Fortunately I made it home safe and found my way to the beach. Lord, thank you for giving me that!
Amen!
Monday, 29 November 2010
Sunday, 28 November 2010
Saturday, 27 November 2010
In honor of the 400th anniversary of his death, a German museum has mounted an exhibition in honor of Italian painter Caravaggio (1571 - 1610). This one-room show, presented by the Kupferstichkabinett, accompanies the Gemäldegalerie's exhibition 'Homage to Caravaggio 1610-2010' that will be on display thru March 6, 2011 in the Gemäldegalerie, Kulturforum Potsdamer Platz. For those of us who can't make the trip to Germany for the show, we can pick up this summer's best-seller by Andrew Graham-Dixon on the artist, Carvaggio: A Life Sacred and Profane
.
.
Wednesday, 24 November 2010
Over the last several weeks, New York City's Lincoln Center has presented the White Light Festival, billed as an exploration of the spiritual in music. (The last festival event, “The Manganiyar Seduction,” a musical work in the Indian classical and folk traditions was last night at the Rose Theater). During this period of time, classical music critics and a reporter at The New York Times have also discussed the works, transcendence and the merits of the festival in the paper's blog, ArtsBeat. It's been interesting to follow. On Monday however, a reporter challenged whether the festival has been about "soul" or selling tickets as if that was a problem. In truth however a soul festival should do exactly both, attract large crowds with music that transforms the soul.
Tuesday, 23 November 2010
ALPHA OMEGA ARTS
By Ernest Britton
Are you an artist looking to start a new business for a growing market? Then you might try coffin art. In Asia, artists are already creating such personalized coffins. The Lien Foundation's CEO Lee Poh Wah says, "The traditional negative associations surrounding the coffin were transformed into a celebratory symbol of courage, life and beauty" through art (AARP). This could be a real opportunity for an American artist willing to partner with a major or minor casket company. Last year, American coffin-makers saw their sales decline as more people turned to cremation even as the size of American coffins grew due to obesity, as well as the growing number of aging baby-boomers. Who said you can't take your art collection with you?
By Ernest Britton
Monday, 22 November 2010
Just in time for Christmas, a prominent Biblical scholar answers the questions, "Was Jesus really Jewish?" "Was his message unique in first-century Palestine?" and even "Was he born in Bethlehem?" In the November/December 2010 issue of Biblical Archaeology Review (BAR), editor Hershel Shanks gets answers to these questions and more in an exclusive interview with archaeologist and historical Jesus scholar Sean Freyne.
Previous works by Freyne include Jesus, a Jewish Galilean: A New Reading of the Jesus Story
(2004), and he describes his work as a historical Jesus scholar as the quest to uncover “the figure of Jesus as he is represented in the documents of Christian faith as a historical person.” Yet some of the Gospels took liberties with the story to convey theological values, he says. “We have to try to work with historical methods and try at the same time to recognize the literary creations.” Based on this approach, Freyne recognizes a core of historical truth in the Jesus narratives but comes to some surprising conclusions about the veracity of the nativity stories in Matthew and Luke’s gospels, as well as the Resurrection. Sean Freyne is director of Mediterranean and Near Eastern Studies, as well as emeritus professor of theology, at Trinity College Dublin. His research focuses on the integration of literary and archaeological sources for understanding the social and religious world of Galilee in Hellenistic and Roman times. Hershel Shanks’s full interview with Professor Freyne can be read for free on the website for the Biblical Archaeology Society.
Previous works by Freyne include Jesus, a Jewish Galilean: A New Reading of the Jesus Story
(2004), and he describes his work as a historical Jesus scholar as the quest to uncover “the figure of Jesus as he is represented in the documents of Christian faith as a historical person.” Yet some of the Gospels took liberties with the story to convey theological values, he says. “We have to try to work with historical methods and try at the same time to recognize the literary creations.” Based on this approach, Freyne recognizes a core of historical truth in the Jesus narratives but comes to some surprising conclusions about the veracity of the nativity stories in Matthew and Luke’s gospels, as well as the Resurrection. Sean Freyne is director of Mediterranean and Near Eastern Studies, as well as emeritus professor of theology, at Trinity College Dublin. His research focuses on the integration of literary and archaeological sources for understanding the social and religious world of Galilee in Hellenistic and Roman times. Hershel Shanks’s full interview with Professor Freyne can be read for free on the website for the Biblical Archaeology Society.Sunday, 21 November 2010
(Italy, 1475-1564) President Obama signed an executive order this week permitting churches that receive federal money for providing social services to keep their religious art, icons, scriptures or other symbols inside their facilities, and unaltered.
ALPHA OMEGA ARTS
By Tahlib
Just in time for the holidays, Mens Health Magazine compiled a listing of America's Most Religious Cities. Can you find your city on the list of America's most religious hometowns? My own NYC is near bottom at #84...shocking?
1. Colorado Springs, CO
2. Greensboro, NC
3. Oklahoma City, OK
4. Wichita, KS
5. Indianapolis, IN
6. Jacksonville, FL
7. Portland, OR
8. Birmingham, AL
9. Charlotte, NC
10. Little Rock, AR
11. Fort Worth, TX
12. Montgomery, AL
13. Raleigh, NC
14. Durham, NC
15. Virginia Beach, VA
16. Charleston, WV
17. Dallas, TX
18. Omaha, NE
19. Kansas City, MO
20. Tulsa, OK
21. Memphis, TN
22. Houston, TX
23. Des Moines, IA
23. Anchorage, AK
25. Seattle, WA
26. Honolulu, HI
27. Cheyenne, WY
28. Phoenix, AZ
29. St. Paul, MN
30. Minneapolis, MN
31. Nashville, TN
32. Boise, ID
33. Grand Rapids, MI
34. San Antonio, TX
35. Sioux Falls, SD
36. San Diego, CA
37. Lexington, KY
38. Fort Wayne, IN
39. Salt Lake City, UT
40. Columbus, OH
41. Tampa, FL
42. Arlington, TX
43. San Jose, CA
44. Washington, DC
45. Jackson, MS
46. Baltimore, MD
47. Orlando, FL
48. Anaheim, CA
49. Billings, MT
50. St. Louis, MO
51. Columbia, SC
52. Riverside, CA
53. Corpus Christi, TX
54. Atlanta, GA
55. Lincoln, NE
56. Modesto, CA
57. Philadelphia, PA
58. Las Vegas, NV
59. Louisville, KY
60. San Francisco, CA
61. Pittsburgh, PA
62. St. Petersburg, FL
63. Denver, CO
64. Bakersfield, CA
65. Richmond, VA
66. Spokane, WA
67. Aurora, CO
68. Albuquerque, NM
69. Chicago, IL
70. Cincinnati, OH
71. Wilmington, DE
72. Milwaukee, WI
73. Cleveland, OH
74. Austin, TX
75. El Paso, TX
76. New Orleans, LA
77. Sacramento, CA
78. Detroit, MI
79. Buffalo, NY
80. Los Angeles, CA
81. Madison, WI
82. Tucson, AZ
83. Oakland, CA
84. New York, NY
85. Toledo, OH
86. Reno, NV
87. Fresno, CA
88. Yonkers, NY
89. Lubbock, TX
90. Rochester, NY
91. Miami, FL
92. Newark, NJ
93. Manchester, NH
94. Fargo, ND
95. Jersey City, NJ
96. Portland, ME
97. Hartford, CT
98. Boston, MA
99. Providence, RI
100. Burlington, VT
Methodology: The editors used data from the U.S. Census and the yellow pages to quantify the number of places of worship per capita. They then combined this total with the number of volunteers who support these groups, and lastly, they considered the amount of money donated to religious organizations.
By Tahlib
Just in time for the holidays, Mens Health Magazine compiled a listing of America's Most Religious Cities. Can you find your city on the list of America's most religious hometowns? My own NYC is near bottom at #84...shocking?
1. Colorado Springs, CO
2. Greensboro, NC
3. Oklahoma City, OK
4. Wichita, KS
5. Indianapolis, IN
6. Jacksonville, FL
7. Portland, OR
8. Birmingham, AL
9. Charlotte, NC
10. Little Rock, AR
11. Fort Worth, TX
12. Montgomery, AL
13. Raleigh, NC
14. Durham, NC
15. Virginia Beach, VA
16. Charleston, WV
17. Dallas, TX
18. Omaha, NE
19. Kansas City, MO
20. Tulsa, OK
21. Memphis, TN
22. Houston, TX
23. Des Moines, IA
23. Anchorage, AK
25. Seattle, WA
26. Honolulu, HI
27. Cheyenne, WY
28. Phoenix, AZ
29. St. Paul, MN
30. Minneapolis, MN
31. Nashville, TN
32. Boise, ID
33. Grand Rapids, MI
34. San Antonio, TX
35. Sioux Falls, SD
36. San Diego, CA
37. Lexington, KY
38. Fort Wayne, IN
39. Salt Lake City, UT
40. Columbus, OH
41. Tampa, FL
42. Arlington, TX
43. San Jose, CA
44. Washington, DC
45. Jackson, MS
46. Baltimore, MD
47. Orlando, FL
48. Anaheim, CA
49. Billings, MT
50. St. Louis, MO
51. Columbia, SC
52. Riverside, CA
53. Corpus Christi, TX
54. Atlanta, GA
55. Lincoln, NE
56. Modesto, CA
57. Philadelphia, PA
58. Las Vegas, NV
59. Louisville, KY
60. San Francisco, CA
61. Pittsburgh, PA
62. St. Petersburg, FL
63. Denver, CO
64. Bakersfield, CA
65. Richmond, VA
66. Spokane, WA
67. Aurora, CO
68. Albuquerque, NM
69. Chicago, IL
70. Cincinnati, OH
71. Wilmington, DE
72. Milwaukee, WI
73. Cleveland, OH
74. Austin, TX
75. El Paso, TX
76. New Orleans, LA
77. Sacramento, CA
78. Detroit, MI
79. Buffalo, NY
80. Los Angeles, CA
81. Madison, WI
82. Tucson, AZ
83. Oakland, CA
84. New York, NY
85. Toledo, OH
86. Reno, NV
87. Fresno, CA
88. Yonkers, NY
89. Lubbock, TX
90. Rochester, NY
91. Miami, FL
92. Newark, NJ
93. Manchester, NH
94. Fargo, ND
95. Jersey City, NJ
96. Portland, ME
97. Hartford, CT
98. Boston, MA
99. Providence, RI
100. Burlington, VT
Methodology: The editors used data from the U.S. Census and the yellow pages to quantify the number of places of worship per capita. They then combined this total with the number of volunteers who support these groups, and lastly, they considered the amount of money donated to religious organizations.
Saturday, 20 November 2010
ALPHA OMEGA ARTS
By TAHLIB
By TAHLIB
Crucified Christ
Agnolo "Bronzino" (b. Italy, 1503-1572)
C. 1540
On View: Palazzo Strozzi in Florence, Italy
(Source: Independent)
(Source: Independent)
Kathleen Folden, the 56 year old Montana woman who destroyed the work of California artist Enrique Chagoya because she felt it was obscene was sentenced to probation after pleading guilty. The work, The Misadventures of the Romantic Cannibals was on display this past summer in an exhibit at at the Loveland Museum/Gallery in Colorado and was the center of a heated debate in the community including anger voiced at city hall. According to the Huffington Post, a hearing is set for January 28, 2011 to determine restitution.
Friday, 19 November 2010
The Sacred and the Profane exhibition of 156 works by French painter Georges Rouault will run through February 13, 2011 at the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum in Spain. The abstract expressionists, whose work we recently highlighted from the Cleveland Museum of Art is a devoted artist of religious expression, and this exhibit includes oil paintings, etchings and even one of the artist's stained glass windows. While not considered a conventional retrospective, the exhibit focus is on exhibiting unknown and unfinished works from Rouault's studio.
ALPHA OMEGA ARTS
By Ernest Disney-Britton
INDIANA - Once you reach the far rear corner of the stark Jesus Metropolitan Community Church in Indianapolis for Tony Melendez's three-piece installation, there is a pronounced sense of arrival. With twinkling brush strokes, Melendez has created shimmering portraits of biblical pairings like David & Jonathon that allow the viewer to step inside his translucent dream.
By Ernest Disney-Britton
INDIANA - Once you reach the far rear corner of the stark Jesus Metropolitan Community Church in Indianapolis for Tony Melendez's three-piece installation, there is a pronounced sense of arrival. With twinkling brush strokes, Melendez has created shimmering portraits of biblical pairings like David & Jonathon that allow the viewer to step inside his translucent dream.
Thursday, 18 November 2010
AOA NEWS
By Ernest Britton
INDIANA - Dressed entirely in black with heavy silver jewelry laced with red feathers and semi-precious stones, Roseta Santiago guides us through her new exhibition at Watts Fine Arts in Zionsville, IN. The Native American painter is best known for her oil paintings of ancient relics, but she also paints human figures, Indian clothing and horses all suffused in dramatic lighting. In fact, consider the image of an artist surrounded by the spirits of ancient artisans who inspire her creativity. That's the experience of this Native American high priestess of art. You feel it in her art, and in her presence. She describes the process as "magical, a religious experience" and to illustrate the spiritual nature of her dramatic works she pointed to the largest of the paintings on display, a horse in full gallop that leaps from a spiritual unknown entitled, "Leap of Faith." For those unable see her artwork in Indiana or the Blue Rain Gallery in Santa Fe or Rick Moore in Naples, Fl, you can still experience it by purchasing a new book on her work, Conversations in Paint Language: The Art of Roseta Santiago
.
By Ernest Britton
.Wednesday, 17 November 2010
Matthew 7:7-11 is a great reminder of the power of prayer! All we need to do is ask our father in heaven. He may not always give what we desire, but surely what we need. I have been asking for clarity on the Kreines wedding. He keeps telling me to go and show her family the love she shows many!
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
Tuesday, 16 November 2010
ALPHA OMEGA ARTS
By Tahlib
Bid on Keith Haring's Untitled (inverted Crucifix) online at Artnet.com through the end of day tomorrow November 17. Signed "K Haring" and dated April 14, 1984, the work is 5 ft x 5 ft in the iconic style of this graffiti art pioneer. An homage to the martyred Saint Peter, the upside-down crucifixion doubles as a powerful emblem of the battle against AIDS. Done in black and bright orange on muslim, the work carries a pre-sale estimate of $850,000 - $1,200,000, and bidding begins at $600,000. [Bid now on artnet Auctions]
By Tahlib
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Keith Haring Untitled (Inverted Crucifix), 1984 |
I'm puzzled. You aren't going to post this to our blog site? "Tahlib1.disney-britton@blogger.com"
In a message dated 11/16/2010 10:09:22 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, phonepoleclmbr@aol.com writes:
Matthew 7:15-23 reminds me it is not enough to do good. We must do good in the name of the Father and expect no earthly reward. If our good deeds aren't holy then He will not know us when we come to him!
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
Monday, 15 November 2010
Danish artist Carl Heinrich Bloch was born in 1834 and is best known for his religious paintings. "God helps me," he once said. "That's what I think, and then I'm calm." While I am unclear about his denominational affiliation, he has been widely embraced by the Church of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) and just in time for the Carl Bloch: The Master's Hand exhibition (thru March 7) at Brigham Young University's Museum of Art in Utah, two books on the artist have also been released. The first is The Master's Hand: The Art of Carl Heinrich Bloch
which includes 95 works by the artist, as well as commentary on each of the images. The second book, This is the Christ
is a visual look at the life of Christ as depicted in many of the 250 paintings of Carl Bloch.
which includes 95 works by the artist, as well as commentary on each of the images. The second book, This is the Christ is a visual look at the life of Christ as depicted in many of the 250 paintings of Carl Bloch.Saturday, 13 November 2010
ALPHA OMEGA ARTS
By TAHLIB
King David
Giovanni Francesco Barbieri, il Guercino (Cento 1591-1666 Bologna)
Oil on canvas, 88 x 67 in.
Auctioned: by Sothebys for £5 million
On view: National Gallery until November 21st
Partial view inside the Antoni Gaudi's
Sagrada Familia church in Barcelona Spain.
AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti.
The Finding of Moses
Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema
C. 1904, 84.02" x 54.13"
Source: Auction by Sotheby's sells for $36 million
By TAHLIB
Five Holy Men at Dal Lake
Mughal artist Govardhan. (India)
Circa 1625-30, Gouache heightened with gold on paper (23.8 by 15.2cm.)
Lord Krishna Enthroned and Adored, Deccan or Rajasthan
Bhairavi Raga (India)
Circa 1650. Gouache heightened with gold on paper (13 by 17.8cm.)
Circa 1650. Gouache heightened with gold on paper (13 by 17.8cm.)
Giovanni Francesco Barbieri, il Guercino (Cento 1591-1666 Bologna)
Oil on canvas, 88 x 67 in.
Auctioned: by Sothebys for £5 million
On view: National Gallery until November 21st
Sagrada Familia church in Barcelona Spain.
AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti.
Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema
C. 1904, 84.02" x 54.13"
Source: Auction by Sotheby's sells for $36 million
Friday, 12 November 2010
Religious bigotry by Oklahoma voters might be a boon for artistic freedom. As shared last week, Oklahoma voters overwhelming approved a change in the state constitution, banning judges in state court from considering international law in general, and Islamic law in particular. However, a federal judge in Oklahoma has temporarily blocked Measure 755, citing a pending lawsuit which argues that the measure is unconstitutional. While the ACLU and Islamic civil rights activists may view this new law as unconstitutional and perhaps discriminatory, many artists in England are offering a different way of considering the conflict. They are fighting to ensure that religious-based censorship is not upheld by the courts. I stand with the UK artists and the view that an abuse should not take away a use.
Thursday, 11 November 2010
AOA NEWS
By Ernest Britton
INDIANA - The Vineyard Community Church in Greenwood, Indiana is the mega-church model with free coffee, a rock-n-roll band, big screen TVs, and a laid-back pastor in blue jeans. The congregation is friendly, and fairly diverse by Hoosier standards. The current sermon series, which is well delivered by a charismatic pastor is classic mega-church messaging: How to be Rich. The location is inside a former elementary and what the church lacks in visual artistic power is made-up for with its musical power, and warmth for visitors.
By Ernest Britton
INDIANA - The Vineyard Community Church in Greenwood, Indiana is the mega-church model with free coffee, a rock-n-roll band, big screen TVs, and a laid-back pastor in blue jeans. The congregation is friendly, and fairly diverse by Hoosier standards. The current sermon series, which is well delivered by a charismatic pastor is classic mega-church messaging: How to be Rich. The location is inside a former elementary and what the church lacks in visual artistic power is made-up for with its musical power, and warmth for visitors.
Wednesday, 10 November 2010
Tuesday, 9 November 2010
Like last year's Precious, the new movie adaptation, For Colored Girls is often too hard to watch. It's hard to watch even if you've seen the original 1975 play several times, as I have. This is a movie that will leave you disturbed if not shattered as it graphically tells the stories of women dealing with issues ranging from rape to abortion to unsafe sex to domestic violence. It is also a movie about God, and the performance by Whoopie Goldberg of a religious zealot & mother is the most powerful and damning out of a ensemble of powerful performances. Dressed in pure white and turbaned like an orthodox Muslim, Goldberg's character has jumped over-the-cliff to God ("Elohim") to keep from going insane over her pain.Goldberg calls her "crazy as a bedbug" and plays her psychosis to the maximum. Critics will debate the merits of this play-turned-movie: USA Today panned the film while The New York Times praised it for its "force, feeling and tremendous sincerity," and this time the New York Times is right.
Monday, 8 November 2010
ALPHA OMEGA ARTS
By Ernest O. Britton
NEW YORK --- Following WWII, an inscription was found scratched on a wall in Germany by someone hiding from deportation to a Nazi concentration camp: "I believe in the sun even when it is not shining... in love even when I am alone... and in God even when he is silent." Those words haunted me during the Alpha & Omega Journeys visit to an exhibition of Martinez Celaya's The Wanderer at the Museum of Biblical Art. Celeya's paintings are a series of desolate landscapes leading the viewer to question the existence or intention of God. It's not the traditional Biblical Art exhibition where the connections to biblical narrative are clear, this exhibition is more about questioning assumptions about how we perceive God or as the WWII inscription suggests, how we know God exists "even when he is silent." The exhibit’s guest curator is Daniel Siedell, author of God in the Gallery
and assistant professor of art history at the University of Nebraska, Omaha. After visiting MoBIA, visitors can then head a few streets north to the Cathedral of St. John the Divine to see more of Celeya. We didn't make it to St. John the Divine to see Celeya's installation but recommend watching this video to catch a glimpse of what we saddly missed.
By Ernest O. Britton
NEW YORK --- Following WWII, an inscription was found scratched on a wall in Germany by someone hiding from deportation to a Nazi concentration camp: "I believe in the sun even when it is not shining... in love even when I am alone... and in God even when he is silent." Those words haunted me during the Alpha & Omega Journeys visit to an exhibition of Martinez Celaya's The Wanderer at the Museum of Biblical Art. Celeya's paintings are a series of desolate landscapes leading the viewer to question the existence or intention of God. It's not the traditional Biblical Art exhibition where the connections to biblical narrative are clear, this exhibition is more about questioning assumptions about how we perceive God or as the WWII inscription suggests, how we know God exists "even when he is silent." The exhibit’s guest curator is Daniel Siedell, author of God in the Gallery
and assistant professor of art history at the University of Nebraska, Omaha. After visiting MoBIA, visitors can then head a few streets north to the Cathedral of St. John the Divine to see more of Celeya. We didn't make it to St. John the Divine to see Celeya's installation but recommend watching this video to catch a glimpse of what we saddly missed.Sunday, 7 November 2010
Saturday, 6 November 2010
On Tuesday, Oklahoma voters overwhelming approved a change in the state constitution banning judges in state court from considering international law in general, and Islamic law in particular. Measure 755 "forbids courts from considering or using Sharia Law." Of course, existing law already doesn't permit that and Islamic civil rights activists say the 30,000 Muslims in the state have never advocated for it. Is this one more example of how Islamaphobia is gripping the USA as argued by religious rights advocate Haroon Moghul? The Council on American-Islamic Relations and the ACLU plan to challenge the law as unconstitutional. On the other hand, is it a positive step toward protecting freedom of expression as argued by Islamic artists in the UK in an upcoming exhibition in London entitled, Passion for Freedom of Art?
OHIO - The physical remains of holy men and women and other objects associated with them play a central role in a number of religions and cultures and were especially important to the development of Christianity. How artists and craftsman came to encase these body parts or "reliquaries" is the subject of the newest exhibition at the Cleveland Museum of Art.
Treasures of Heaven: Saints, Relics, and Devotion in Medieval Europe is the first major exhibition in the United States to consider the history of relics and reliquaries and features more than 150 works of art from Late Antiquity, the Middle Ages and early modern Europe. The exhibition runs from Oct. 17, 2010, to Jan. 17, 2011, before traveling to on to Baltimore and then London.
As visitors to the exhibition, we witnessed the transformation of reliquaries from simple containers (small caskets) for the earthly remains of Christian holy men and women to lavishly decorated objects of personal and communal devotion. To convey the sanctity of these relics to the faithful, medieval artists created precious containers, or reliquaries, for churches, shrines and personal use. Often covered in gold and silver or encrusted with precious and semi-precious stones, these objects commanded attention. Their outward appearance reminded worshippers of the extraordinary nature of the matter they contained.
It's a wonderfully beautiful show and a grand beginning for discovering something new about different religions through the art of their funerary traditions. Consider for instance, the ancient Egyption practice and how that is different or similar to this Christian traiditon of preserving pieces of bones encased in gold as tools to reach salvation. This exhibition should leave Americans with many unanswered questions beyond the creative. We left wondering about the practice of cremation vs. burial in religious communities? What is the Jewish tradition, Islamic, biblical references, Native American practices, pre-Christian Romans and the great burning pyres in Homer's Illyiad or the common practice of cremation in Hindu society. Some of those questions are answered here. Most are left for you to explore on your own.
Review by Tahlib
Treasures of Heaven: Saints, Relics, and Devotion in Medieval Europe is the first major exhibition in the United States to consider the history of relics and reliquaries and features more than 150 works of art from Late Antiquity, the Middle Ages and early modern Europe. The exhibition runs from Oct. 17, 2010, to Jan. 17, 2011, before traveling to on to Baltimore and then London.
As visitors to the exhibition, we witnessed the transformation of reliquaries from simple containers (small caskets) for the earthly remains of Christian holy men and women to lavishly decorated objects of personal and communal devotion. To convey the sanctity of these relics to the faithful, medieval artists created precious containers, or reliquaries, for churches, shrines and personal use. Often covered in gold and silver or encrusted with precious and semi-precious stones, these objects commanded attention. Their outward appearance reminded worshippers of the extraordinary nature of the matter they contained.
It's a wonderfully beautiful show and a grand beginning for discovering something new about different religions through the art of their funerary traditions. Consider for instance, the ancient Egyption practice and how that is different or similar to this Christian traiditon of preserving pieces of bones encased in gold as tools to reach salvation. This exhibition should leave Americans with many unanswered questions beyond the creative. We left wondering about the practice of cremation vs. burial in religious communities? What is the Jewish tradition, Islamic, biblical references, Native American practices, pre-Christian Romans and the great burning pyres in Homer's Illyiad or the common practice of cremation in Hindu society. Some of those questions are answered here. Most are left for you to explore on your own.
Review by Tahlib
ALPHA OMEGA ARTS
SPAIN---After 128 years, on Sunday, November 7, Antonio Gaudi's cathedral in Barcelona will formally be opened as the Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Familia. Pope Benedict will lead the consecration mass before 7,000 people. Begun in 1882, the design and construction of this church so consumed Gaudi that his body was interned there at his death in 1926. It's perhaps the biggest and longest incomplete work of religious art in the world because even though it opens for mass this Sunday, the cathedral is still not expected to be completed until 2033.
SPAIN---After 128 years, on Sunday, November 7, Antonio Gaudi's cathedral in Barcelona will formally be opened as the Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Familia. Pope Benedict will lead the consecration mass before 7,000 people. Begun in 1882, the design and construction of this church so consumed Gaudi that his body was interned there at his death in 1926. It's perhaps the biggest and longest incomplete work of religious art in the world because even though it opens for mass this Sunday, the cathedral is still not expected to be completed until 2033.
ALPHA OMEGA ARTS
By Ernest Britton
The establishment of Abu Dhabi Art Fair is a major step towards embedding the emirate's cultural credentials in the international public consciousness. Last year, some of the world's most high-profile galleries came to sell their artworks to an increasingly hungry buyers' market. There are also plenty of talks and workshops, and plenty of Middle Eastern art on display. The real draw, though, is the 48 world-class galleries that will gather again in the halls of the Emirates Palace in the hope of attracting buyers including many first-time buyers. If you've not yet made a purchase of Islamic religious art, why not try the Abu Dhabi Art Fair?
By Ernest Britton
The establishment of Abu Dhabi Art Fair is a major step towards embedding the emirate's cultural credentials in the international public consciousness. Last year, some of the world's most high-profile galleries came to sell their artworks to an increasingly hungry buyers' market. There are also plenty of talks and workshops, and plenty of Middle Eastern art on display. The real draw, though, is the 48 world-class galleries that will gather again in the halls of the Emirates Palace in the hope of attracting buyers including many first-time buyers. If you've not yet made a purchase of Islamic religious art, why not try the Abu Dhabi Art Fair?
Friday, 5 November 2010
INTERNATIONAL ARTS MOVEMENT
By Christy Tennant
NEW YORK --- International Arts Movement offers a huge congratulations to Dr. Ena Heller, who has been selected by the American Academy of Religion to receive the 2010 Religion and the Arts Award. Dr. Heller, who is the Executive Director of the Museum of Biblical Art (MOBiA), is being honored "for her exceptional work fostering interfaith dialogue and scholarship linking art and religion." Given annually to an artist, performer, critic, curator or scholar who has made a recent significant contribution to the understanding of the relations among the arts and religion, the award was presented during a special ceremony at the Academy’s annual meeting in Atlanta on Sunday, October 31, 2010. [link]
By Christy Tennant
NEW YORK --- International Arts Movement offers a huge congratulations to Dr. Ena Heller, who has been selected by the American Academy of Religion to receive the 2010 Religion and the Arts Award. Dr. Heller, who is the Executive Director of the Museum of Biblical Art (MOBiA), is being honored "for her exceptional work fostering interfaith dialogue and scholarship linking art and religion." Given annually to an artist, performer, critic, curator or scholar who has made a recent significant contribution to the understanding of the relations among the arts and religion, the award was presented during a special ceremony at the Academy’s annual meeting in Atlanta on Sunday, October 31, 2010. [link]
Monday, 1 November 2010
THE ALPHA OMEGA ARTS
By TAHLIB
MISSOURI---In recognition of his curating the spring 2010 exhibition, "The Suffering Christ in Contemporary Art," the Alpha & Omega Project for Contemporary Religious Arts is pleased to name Fr. Terrence E. Dempsey, S.J. as the 2009 recipient of the A&O Prize for Clergy Advocates.
Fr. Dempsey is the Founding Director of the Museum of Contemporary Religious Art (MOCRA) at Saint Louis University in St. Louis, Missouri. In 1991, he received his doctorate in art history and religion at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley in conjunction with the University of California at Berkeley, while studying under the direction of Jane Daggett Dillenberger and the late John Dillenberger of the Graduate Theological Union and Peter Selz of the University of California.
In 1995, Fr. Dempsey was named the first holder of the May O’Rourke Jay Endowed Teaching Chair in Art History and Religion at Saint Louis University, a position he still holds. In 1997, he was awarded the distinguished alumnus of the year award by the Graduate Theological Union, and in 1999, he was named outstanding teacher of the year in the College of Arts and Sciences at Saint Louis University. Fr. Dempsey has curated over fifty-five exhibitions. Fr. Dempsey is also the author of numerous articles and a frequent lecturer.
By TAHLIB
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| Father Dempsey at Museum at Contemporary Religious Art |
Fr. Dempsey is the Founding Director of the Museum of Contemporary Religious Art (MOCRA) at Saint Louis University in St. Louis, Missouri. In 1991, he received his doctorate in art history and religion at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley in conjunction with the University of California at Berkeley, while studying under the direction of Jane Daggett Dillenberger and the late John Dillenberger of the Graduate Theological Union and Peter Selz of the University of California.
In 1995, Fr. Dempsey was named the first holder of the May O’Rourke Jay Endowed Teaching Chair in Art History and Religion at Saint Louis University, a position he still holds. In 1997, he was awarded the distinguished alumnus of the year award by the Graduate Theological Union, and in 1999, he was named outstanding teacher of the year in the College of Arts and Sciences at Saint Louis University. Fr. Dempsey has curated over fifty-five exhibitions. Fr. Dempsey is also the author of numerous articles and a frequent lecturer.
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