ArtWay - Rouault and Girard: Crucifixion and Resurrection, Penitence and Life Anew

The Artist as Truth-Teller and the Legacy of French Artist Georges Rouault was an Association of Scholars of Christianity in the History of Art symposium at Institut Catholique de Paris in 2022 in honour of the 150th anniversary of the birth of French modernist Georges Rouault.

I gave a paper at the symposium entitled ‘True humility is not mediocrity’ in which I explored the influence of Rouault on the life and work of André Girard. I discovered the work of Girard through Christianity in Art by Frank and Dorothy Getlein, a book which views Rouault as being ‘the twentieth century artist above all others who fused into one monumental testament all the elements of the social revolution and the new Christianity.’ Girard, as student and friend of Rouault, was seen by the Getlein’s as developing “the first move of Christian art toward the universal audience of today.”

Although he enjoyed considerable recognition in his own day and time, the reputation of Girard has diminished with time, unlike that of Rouault. As a result, his work is ripe for rediscovery. In this paper, in addition to highlighting key strands of Rouault’s influence on Girard such as humility and risk taking, I explored some of the reasons why Rouault’s work transcends his age, while that of Girard seems to remain within his. Additionally, I shared the contrasts in their work noted by their friend André Suares - penitence and affirmation.

This paper has now been published by ArtWay as their latest Blog post:

'when we combine the work of the teacher with that of his student, we encounter the full Gospel in depictions both of the dying world into which Christ comes and the abundance of life that is found in and through him as he brings a new world into being, just as Girard, in the words of Suarés brings a new art into being.'

For more on the ASCHA symposium, click here. My poem based on this paper entitled 'The twin poles of Rouault and Girard' has been published by Stride, while a related poem, 'Maritain, Green, Beckett and Anderson in conversation down through the ages', is in Amethyst Review. For more on Rouault, click here.

My visual meditations for ArtWay include work by María Inés Aguirre, Giampaolo Babetto, Marian Bohusz-Szyszko, Alexander de Cadenet, Christopher Clack, Marlene Dumas, Terry Ffyffe, Jake Flood, Antoni Gaudi, Nicola Green, Maciej Hoffman, Lakwena Maciver, S. Billie Mandle, Giacomo Manzù, Sidney Nolan, Michael Pendry, Maurice Novarina, Regan O'Callaghan, Ana Maria Pacheco, John Piper, Nicola Ravenscroft, Albert Servaes, Henry Shelton, Anna Sikorska, Alan Stewart, Jan Toorop, Andrew Vessey, Edmund de Waal and Sane Wadu.

My Church of the Month reports include: All Saints Parish Church, Tudeley, Aylesford Priory, Canterbury Cathedral, Chapel of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face, Hem, Chelmsford Cathedral, Churches in Little Walsingham, Coventry Cathedral, Église de Saint-Paul à Grange-Canal, Eton College Chapel, Lumen, Metz Cathedral, Notre Dame du Léman, Notre-Dame de Toute Grâce, Plateau d’Assy,Romont, Sint Martinuskerk Latem, St Aidan of Lindisfarne, St Alban Romford, St. Andrew Bobola Polish RC Church, St. Margaret’s Church, Ditchling, and Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft, St Mary the Virgin, Downe, St Michael and All Angels Berwick and St Paul Goodmayes, as well as earlier reports of visits to sites associated with Marian Bohusz-Szyszko, Marc Chagall, Jean Cocteau, Antoni Gaudi and Henri Matisse.

Blogs for ArtWay include: Congruity and controversy: exploring issues for contemporary commissions; Ervin Bossanyi: A vision for unity and harmony;
Photographing Religious Practice; Spirituality and/in Modern Art; and The Spirituality of the Artist-Clown.

Interviews for ArtWay include: Sophie Hacker, Peter Koenig and Belinda Scarlett. I also interviewed ArtWay founder Marleen Hengelaar Rookmaaker for Artlyst.

I have reviewed: Art and the Church: A Fractious Embrace, Kempe: The Life, Art and Legacy of Charles Eamer Kempe and Jazz, Blues, and Spirituals.

Other of my writings for ArtWay can be found here. My pieces for Church Times can be found here. Those for Artlyst are here and those for Art+Christianity are here. 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ricky Ross - When Sinners Fall.

Church Times - Betty Spackman: The art and the conversation

My latest feature article for Church Times is an interview with Betty Spackman surveying her career and work:

'“In some branches of — particularly Protestant — Christianity, there has been a history of discouraging, or even disallowing, involvement in the arts, particularly the visual arts, and for my generation it was a very difficult struggle to find affirmation as an artist of faith. Thankfully, there is now more freedom and acceptance of the arts in the Church — but, of course, now there are new issues to deal with.”

While not a pioneer in the art world, in Christian circles “I was perhaps one of the early artists of faith exploring some of these things — and was pretty alone at the time.” People such as the German artist Joseph Beuys were “among many who brought together all the things I love: material, performance, social engagement, installation, etc.”.

Such artists “were a constant inspiration, and were challenging both intellectually and artistically”, but were already on her radar, “because these were ways I was already beginning to work”.'

Read my Artlyst interview with Betty Spackman here and a diary piece including her latest work 'A Creature Chronicle' here.

My other feature articles for Church Times are here, here, here, and here.

Other of my pieces for Church Times can be found here. My writing for ArtWay can be found here. My pieces for Artlyst are here and those for Art+Christianity are here. See also Modern religious art: airbrushed from art history?

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Carolyn Ahrends - Becoming Human.

Sandra Bowden and Bowden Collections

One of many joys in attending 'The Artist as Truth-Teller and the Legacy of French Artist Georges Rouault' last week was that of meeting the artist Sandra Bowden.

Sandra Bowden has been interpreting Scripture and her own spiritual walk through mixed media for more than forty years. She has been acclaimed as one of the most unique, impressive and inspiring Christian artists in America. Bowden’s work has been featured in books, magazines and gallery shows across the United States, Canada, Italy and Jerusalem.

Her work fuses the vivid yet traditional imagery of the Old Testament – stone tablets and artifacts, Hebrew inscriptions, architectural depictions – with images of Christ’s passion, important music scores, and God’s natural creations. She has issued several series of artworks over the years: crucifixion scenes, artistic use of text and color, new interpretations of classic religious artwork, even altered books with applied textures and hues. God’s grandeur and creativity shine through in each piece of her art.

“My Christian faith has been the driving force behind my art,” Bowden says. “I look at the making of a piece of art as a kind of doxology, a prayer or conversation with God. I don’t mean this in any mystical way, but my ideas come out of my theology and thoughts about God. I am somewhat of a theologian, but one who translates those interpretations into visual form.”

In addition to being an exceptional artist, Sandra is also a collector who, through Bowden Collections, offers a variety of traveling exhibitions available for rental to museums, churches, colleges, seminaries and similar institutions.

Bowden says:

'I have always wanted to own art by other artists. My first pieces were pottery or works that I could swap with other artists. Then I began to make a greater commitment to strategically collecting. However, the most important reason is that it is enjoyable. What a thrill to “find” a piece, recognize its value and have it become part of my collection.

I feel like a caretaker, so to speak, of each piece in our collection, preserving it for the future. With every new acquisition comes a world of knowledge, a reservoir of information surrounding the piece that adds to the fascination and enjoyment.

The Bowden Collections focuses on religious art for several reasons: first, it is the subject I am most passionately interested in; second, it is a wonderful time to be collecting work with biblical themes because the art market in general is not particularly interested in art with religious content. I also feel that religious art needs exposure within the Christian community, and it is my intent to make these pieces available whenever possible for that purpose. I see my collector's role as a calling—something that is critically important to do at this particular time.'

Click here to see the range of collections available which include work by Marc Chagall, Otto Dix, Alfred Manessier, and Georges Rouault, among others. 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Morten Lauridsen - Lux Æterna.

The Artist as Truth-Teller and the Legacy of French Artist Georges Rouault

The Artist as Truth-Teller and the Legacy of French Artist Georges Rouault was an Association of Scholars of Christianity in the History of Art symposium at Institut Catholique de Paris in honour of the recent 150th anniversary of the birth of French modernist Georges Rouault.

Many contemporary artists regard their work as having a moral as well as an aesthetic function. They conceive of the artist as a visual truth-teller who exposes social and spiritual injustice, and through their work these artists envision a more perfect world. This prophetic role for the artist can, in part, be rooted in figures of Jewish and Christian prophets, from Abraham, Moses, and Isaiah to John the Baptist, Stephen, and others. These prophets model a non-cynical intersection of spiritual purpose and material action that continues to inspire artists to work both within and beyond the studio/gallery/museum with a belief that art can call a reimagined reality into being.

The symposium featured presentations exploring the work of post-World War II artists whose work can be understood in relation to a Judeo-Christian model of prophetic social and spiritual action, such as that taken up by French modernist Georges Rouault. The presentations in the symposium focused on artists and theorists who extend and expand this legacy of Rouault.

The keynote presentation on The Artist as Truth Teller: From Georges Rouault to the Present was given by Prof. Jérôme Cottin (Université de Strasbourg). 

The other presentations included:

• Christine Gouzi (Université Paris-Sorbonne), “Georges Rouault, de la peinture à l’écriture: Soliloques d’un peintre”
• Denis Hétier (Institut Catholique de Paris), “L’ordre intérieur de l’artiste: Vers une réflexion théologique sur Georges Rouault et Pie-Raymond Regamey”
• William Dyrness (Fuller Theological Seminary), “Maritain and Rouault: Who Influenced Whom? A study of Literary and Visual Relationships”
• Julie Hamilton (Foundation for Spirituality and the Arts), “Georges Rouault’s Rebellion: Empathy as Social Critique”
• Pierre-Emmanuel Perrier de la Bâthie (Institut Catholique de Paris), “L’artiste comme prophète en son temps: Les références chrétiennes dans l’œuvre de Joseph Beuys”
• Jonathan Evens (Wickford and Runwell Team Ministry), “True Humility is Not Mediocrity”
• Monica Keska (University of Granada), “Go Down Moses: Biblical Imagery in the Works of Aaron Douglas”
• James Romaine (Lander University), “Validating Experiences: Romare Bearden’s Creative Purpose”
• Linda Stratford (Asbury University), “George Rouault’s Legacy of Artistic Mediation and Spiritual Purpose”

In my paper entitled ‘True humility is not mediocrity’ I explored the influence of Rouault on the life and work of André Girard. I discovered the work of Girard through Christianity in Art by Frank and Dorothy Getlein, a book which views Rouault as being ‘the twentieth century artist above all others who fused into one monumental testament all the elements of the social revolution and the new Christianity.’ Girard, as student and friend of Rouault, was seen by the Getlein’s as developing “the first move of Christian art toward the universal audience of today.”

Although he enjoyed considerable recognition in his own day and time, the reputation of Girard has diminished with time, unlike that of Rouault. As a result, his work is ripe for rediscovery. In this paper, in addition to highlighting key strands of Rouault’s influence on Girard such as humility and risk taking, I explored some of the reasons why Rouault’s work transcends his age, while that of Girard seems to remain within his. Additionally, I shared the contrasts in their work noted by their friend André Suares - penitence and affirmation.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Erik Satie - Messe de Pauvres.

Betty Spackman: A Creature Chronicle

 

In January 2020 Artlyst published my interview with Betty Spackman in advance of the planned exhibition of 'A Creature Chronicle’, an installation which combines the stories of both science and religion using well-known artworks as mediators and commentators to explore ethical concerns in both fields regarding transgenics and the development of posthumanism. 

The Covid pandemic, of course, intervened. Now after a two year delay because of Covid 'A Creature Chronicle' will open April 22- May 21, 2022 with a revised programme of talks and events.

Read my interview with Betty Spackman here.

‘A CREATURE CHRONICLE’
Considering Creation
Faith and Fable, Fact and Fiction.
Exhibition and Symposium
Artist: Betty Spackman
with Special Guest Speakers
Musicians & Storytellers
April 22 - May 21, 2022
Swallowfield Art Series 2022
Swallowfield Farm
7296 Telegraph Trail, Langley, BC
www.swallowfield.ca

“This exhibition, which points to the complex connections between the Arts, Sciences, and Faith
is an excellent tool to facilitate discussions about the future of creation in the context of posthumanism.” John Franklin, Executive Director, IMAGO Arts

This complex new work by Betty Spackman, MFA is a 15 panel, double-sided, circular installation, approx. 24 feet in diameter and 8 feet high. The mixed media images taken from a multitude of art, science, and faith references are meant to provoke contemplation and conversation about the difficult questions of what it is to be human. From the stories of genesis to the still-being-written stories of contemporary bioscience, layers of concern and celebration are woven together around our complex philosophical debates about creation in the context of developing technologies.

Spackman is an installation artist and painter with a background in animation and visual storytelling. Her interest in narrative informs this new work that combines the stories of both science and religion, using well known art works as mediators and commentators. It presents itself as a non-linear, multi-layered storyboard to be walked around and sat inside, with visual stories to be ‘read’ or discovered, contemplated and discussed.

This work, shown outside of formal institutional agendas, provides a safe place of meeting for diverse cultural communities to consider together our evolving ways of defining ourselves. Spackman believes all of life to be interconnected and that love, as an intellectual, spiritual and behavioural choice, in our defining narratives, belief systems and lifestyles, is the one chance of sustainability, equity and future hope for all life forms.

But ‘A CREATURE CHRONICLE’ is not only an art exhibition. It is a multi-layered community event with an accompanying symposium with over 30 guest scholars, musicians, storytellers, actors, artists, poets, and more that Spackman has invited to be part of the month-long series of talks and concerts. Some are local to British Columbia and others are coming from England, the US, Alberta, the North West Territories and Ontario.

‘A CREATURE CHRONICLE’ is part of the ‘Swallowfield Arts Series 2022’ hosted by Dennis and Jenny DeGroot of Swallowfield Farm, who use their award-winning barn for hay in the winter, and cultural events the rest of the year. The show and symposium are non-profit with all events by donation. Seating is limited - so you will need to book a seat to Panel Talks and Concerts: ccregister@shaw.ca

For full details and hours, full programme & link to livestreamed panel talks: www.bettyspackman.com

EXHIBITION OPEN
Mondays: 10 am – 4 pm
Tuesdays: 10 am – 4 pm
Thursdays: 10 am – 4 pm and 6 pm - 8 pm
Fridays: 10 am – 4 pm
PANEL TALKS
Wednesdays & Saturdays
(Closed Sundays)

• Fri. APRIL 22, 7pm OPENING
• Sat. APRIL 23, 2pm ART TALK: Betty Spackman in conversation with Ellen Van Eijnsbergen
• Wed. April 27, 2pm SACRED CONVERSATIONS: LISTENING TO STRANGERS: David Goa, comedian Charles Demers
• Wed. April 27, 7pm THE ARTS AS MEDIATORS IN A BROKEN WORLD: John Franklin, Amy Dyck
• Sat. April 30, 10am - 4pm WHO ARE WE REALLY?: David Goa, John Auxier, John Franklin, Lynne Spackman, Lincoln Tatem - Music
• Wed. May 4, 2pm OPEN CIRCLE CONVERSATION
• Wed. May 4, 7pm ETHICS IN BIOSCIENCE: Dr.Lynne Spackman
• Sat. May 7, 10am - 4 pm SEEING AND BELIEVING: David Goa, Carolyn Arends, Dr.Jason Byassee, Dr.Greg Cootsona, Carolyn Arends - Music
• Wed. May 11, 2pm THE BIBLE: FACT OR FICTION?: David Goa, Lincoln Tatem - Music
• Wed. May 11, 7pm - CREATION CARE: Dr.Jason Byassee, Sarah Ronald - Animation
• Sat. May 14, 10am -12 STORY AND IDENTITY: Steve Bynum, Fern Gabriel, Angela Konrad, Patrick Scott, Zack Running Coyote – video clip
• Sat. May 14, 2pm – 4pm - STORY AND IMAGINATION: David Goa, Pieter Kwant, Desiree Wallace, Marnie Wooding, Jeanine Noyse - Music
• Sat. May 14, 7pm - CONCERT: Jeanine Noyse and Roy Salmond
• Wed. May 18, 2pm WHO AM I?: Steve Bynum, Patricia Clarke, Fern Gabriel, Shelby Wyminga, Jeanine Noyse – Music
• Wed. May 18, 2pm MAKERS COLLECTIVE: Cheryl Bear, Ins Choi, Zack Running Coyote, Charles Demers, Duane Forrest, Shayna Jones, Phil Miguel, Betty Spackman,Tetsuro Shigematsu, Kaitlin Williams, Maki Yi
• Fri. May 20, 7pm and Sat. May 21, 7pm - Interdisciplinary Artists: Closing Celebrations: Carolyn Arends; Susan McCaslin - poet; Suzanne Northcott - visual artist; Jeanine Noyes and Henry Heillig; Roy Salmond; Sarah Ronald - animation; Lincoln Tatem; Wild Blue Herons: Darlene Cooper and Bill Sample; Maki Yi - actor

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Carolyn Arends - Seize the Day.