Art and Faith

Synopsis

From a world-renowned painter, an exploration of creativity's quintessential-and often overlooked-role in the spiritual life
 
"Makoto Fujimura's art and writings have been a true inspiration to me. In this luminous book, he addresses the question of art and faith and their reconciliation with a quiet and moving eloquence."-Martin Scorsese
 
"[An] elegant treatise. . . . Fujimura's sensitive, evocative theology will appeal to believers interested in the role religion can play in the creation of art."-Publishers Weekly
 
Conceived over thirty years of painting and creating in his studio, this book is Makoto Fujimura's broad and deep exploration of creativity and the spiritual aspects of "making." What he does in the studio is theological work as much as it is aesthetic work. In between pouring precious, pulverized minerals onto handmade paper to create the prismatic, refractive surfaces of his art, he comes into the quiet space in the studio in a discipline of awareness, waiting, prayer, and praise.
 
Ranging from the Bible to T. S. Eliot, Mark Rothko, and Japanese Kintsugi technique, he shows how, unless we are making something, we cannot know the depth of God's being and God's grace permeating our lives. This poignant and beautiful book offers the perspective of, in Christian Wiman's words, an "accidental theologian," one who comes to spiritual questions always through the prism of art.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Intersection of Art and Faith

* Explores the historical and cultural connections between art and religion.
* Examines the role of art in expressing spiritual experiences and beliefs.
* Example: Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper" depicts the biblical event with remarkable realism and emotional depth.

Chapter 2: Art as a Form of Worship

* Investigates the use of art in religious ceremonies and rituals.
* Discusses the transformative power of art in creating sacred spaces.
* Example: The elaborate stained-glass windows of Gothic cathedrals inspire awe and contemplation.

Chapter 3: Art Inspired by Faith

* Explores the influence of religious beliefs on the creation of art.
* Examines how artists have used their works to convey spiritual messages.
* Example: Rembrandt's "The Night Watch" depicts a group of militiamen with biblical symbolism and a sense of divine presence.

Chapter 4: Art as a Source of Revelation

* Argues that art can provide insights into divine mysteries and spiritual truths.
* Discusses the role of art in facilitating contemplation and mystical experiences.
* Example: Abstract expressionist painter Mark Rothko's color field paintings are said to evoke a sense of the sublime.

Chapter 5: Art as a Challenge to Faith

* Examines the role of art in questioning and critiquing religious beliefs.
* Discusses how artists have used their works to explore the complexities of faith and doubt.
* Example: Francisco Goya's "Disasters of War" depicts the horrors of war with unflinching realism, challenging conventional notions of divine intervention.

Chapter 6: Art as a Means of Dialogue

* Explores the use of art as a tool for interfaith and cross-cultural dialogue.
* Discusses how art can bridge religious divides and foster understanding.
* Example: The "Art and Spirituality" exhibition at the New York Public Library showcased diverse works inspired by religious traditions from around the world.

Chapter 7: Art as a Source of Hope

* Examines the role of art in providing hope and solace during times of adversity.
* Discusses how art can inspire resilience and connect individuals to a sense of transcendence.
* Example: The "Guernica" tapestry by Pablo Picasso commemorates the bombing of the Basque town during the Spanish Civil War, offering a powerful symbol of human suffering and resilience.