The Bible, Religion, Art.
The Bible is worthy of respect for having outlived monarchies, empires, tyrannies, despots. It's true that Europe is largely secular now, & that it's also having a resurgence in places.
I'm fairly certain that the art wasn't just about propaganda for the overlords of society.
It's also true that religious art is generally unpopular with artists. But I have always loved it for its beauty & skill & have often made my own versions.
For many decades I've watched an outpouring of art, not by professionals but by people of all ages, backgrounds, abilities - In adult education, in groups & communities, workshops, courses, online etc etc.
Recently I've wondered if this has a deeper purpose than just being a hobby - does it fill a vacuum, a need for a personal connection to creativity. I have also speculated about
professional & non professional artists creating large amounts of high quality religious art, & it's affect on the artworld?
The two images - one a pastel of a Hovering Angel, & a drawing of a jewelled medieval cross.
CONTROVERSY & HARMONY
In essence religion is invisible but it can sure cause both disagreement, & peace & calm. It can definitely affect our thoughts, emotions & mood.
Perhaps ,more subtly pictures also affect our state of mind.
If the image came before the written word, could new images create altered states of mind?
The video below is me drawing the religious art in Bristol City Museum 2024.
