CATHOLIC ART IN THE MODERN WORLD

 

                                                                              Arup Das- Indian

“At the back of our brains, so to speak, there is a forgotten blaze or burst of astonishment at our own existence. The object of the artistic and spiritual life is to dig for this sunrise of wonder.”       G. K. Chesterton 

CATHOLIC ART has played a leading role in the history and development of Western art since at least the 4th century. The principal subject matter of Catholic art has been the life and times of Jesus Christ, along with people associated with Him, including His disciples, the saints, and motifs from the Catholic Bible.

Sacred art is true and beautiful when its form corresponds to its particular vocation: evoking and glorifying, in faith and adoration, the transcendent mystery of God—the surpassing invisible beauty of truth and love visible in Christ, who "reflects the glory of God and bears the very stamp of his nature," in whom "the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily." This spiritual beauty of God is reflected in the most holy Virgin Mother of God, the angels, and saints. Genuine sacred art draws man to adoration, to prayer, and to the love of God, Creator and Savior, the Holy One and Sanctifier.    Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 2502

The earliest surviving artworks are the painted frescoes on the walls of the catacombs and meeting houses of the persecuted Christians of the Roman Empire. The Church in Rome was influenced by the Roman art and the religious artists of the time. The stone sarcophagi of Roman Christians exhibit the earliest surviving carved statuary of Jesus, Mary and other biblical figures.   Throughout the ages, monasteries have been centers for nurturing and preserving  creative arts.  Some of these artists were monks and nuns, others lay people. More often than not the art was commissioned by patrons of the monastery.  

In the 20^th Century, the art world produced much less religious painting than at any time since the Roman Empire. Commercial popular Catholic art flourished using cheaper techniques for mass-reproduction. Much of this art continued to use watered-down versions of Baroque styles, which led to "tacky"art.

 The early adoption of modernist styles at the dawn of the 21st century continued with the trends from the 20th century, yet artists began to experiment with materials and colors. In many cases this contributed to simplifications which led to resemblance to the early Christian art. Simplicity is seen as the best way to bring pure Christian messages to the viewer.

                                                          Nicola Saric

Even today, monasteries aim for the balance between the old and the new in art, as a way of incorporating art into their prayer life and supporting artists.

For the rest of October I want to present some modern Catholic artists who use their gifts to glorify God and bring us back to God by their religious art.