Anne Roberts Posted: 1 July 2011
Keywords: Worldviews & Culture,
This paper focuses on the scope and characteristics of recent conceptual and installation art, looking first at the early development of this genre, and then examining four major aspects: the exploration of visual language and appropriation of images; art based on autobiography; work which deals with social and environmental issues; and finally art which appropriates religious imagery. The paper concludes with reflections on finding a Christian voice in response.
Thank you so much for this article about post-modern art and its place in a Christian's understanding. I have struggled to assimilate what I understand to be serious but sometimes uncomfortable imagery into a committed Christian viewpoint. I have been sad when "Christian Art" has turned out to be sentimental rubbish, eg.- kittens, sunsets or even clumsy portrayals of Christ on the cross etc and all defended by Philippians 4 v 8. I have recently felt more at peace in realising that art is an expression of our human struggle, however raw and that Heaven can take care of itself. I have been a Christian for 40 years and a secondary school art teacher. My sons both have degrees in fine art; one of them is being taken very seriously in London and is being given a space in Tate Britain, dedicated to Art Now, to show his work for 4 months. I have to be able to accept his work, which might upset some fellow Christians, who would rather not try to understand. For me this issue has been one of the biggest causes of confusion over many years. I would very much like to read or hear more about it.
Rosemary Atkins 9 July 2011
Thanks for this really interesting article.
These concepts on contemporary art and its value to society and art education have been relevant to my work over the last 27 years as an art teacher and in my current role as an arts and education consultant for schools in the Thames Valley area.
You explore some interesting ideas, although I don't necessarily agree with all you say on current art education and the value of craft and fine art -which are still very much valued in the schools I work with. Rosemary's experience as a secondary art teacher and parent of art graduates seem very relevant here.
For me contemporary expressions in visual art, installation and performance, whether they fit with our view or not, all have enormous value to help us make sense of the complex and difficult world in which we live. We do need to be sensitive to the context in which we use more controversial works but as a Christian I have always felt that there is enormous value in providing a wide viewpoint to all. This includes young people - as it helps to support and develop their understanding of the issues and to help them comprehend why others see things differently and how they should respond. Philosophy for Children (P4C) is an approach, I currently use in schools with all ages to unpack contemporary works on art and to discuss openly the issues they bring up.
Rosemary's experience as a secondary art teacher and parent of art graduates seem very relevant here.
Anne Brown 16 July 2011
The Gallery of Modern Art in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia is a recently opened and highly acclaimed gallery. It is currently showing an exhibition on Surrealism- The Poetry of Dreams (www.qag.gov.qld.au/surrealism). As part of its exhibition agenda it has offered special education sessions for teachers at primary and secondary level. Clearly it is an attempt to bring this expression more firmly onto centre stage in teaching. I would be most interested in your comment from a biblical perspective on this movement in art.
Chris Sandford 1 September 2011