I came across this great article about religious art and idolatry and it fitted in with my recently reading about Colin McCahon. Its worth the read. I liked this quote near the end:
“Art in itself cannot change society, but good art, whatever its form, helps us both individually and corporately to perceive reality in a new way, and by so doing, it opens up possibilities of transformation. In this way art has the potential to change both our personal and corporate consciousness and perception, challenging perceived reality and enabling us to remember what was best in the past even as it evokes fresh images that serve transformation in the present. This it does through its ability to evoke imagination and wonder, causing us to pause and reflect and thereby opening up the possibility of changing our perception and ultimately our lives.”
(John W. de Gruchy, ‘Holy Beauty: A Reformed Perspective on Aesthetics Within a World of Ugly Injustice’ in Reformed Theology for the Third Christian Millennium: The 2001 Sprunt Lectures, 14–5).
Colin McCahon From 15 Drawings for Charles Brasch 1951-1952
This is a powerful and resonant quote, Pauline. I agree with de Gruchy’s ideas. Thanks.