The Theology of False Absolution in Christian Kitsch
Have you ever unsuspectingly picked up a novelty mug from your local Christian book store, looked at the image on its side and found yourself thinking, “Hey, I thought Rembrandt was the ‘Painter of Light’? Who does this Thomas Kinkade guy think he is anyway!?” Well, you’re not alone! Join us as we explore how paintings and visual art speak a language all of their own; some words of which ring more true than you think, and others…well, you didn’t really think Kinkade’s work qualified as fine art, did you? J
1) First, we’ll look at paintings by artists such as Warner Sallman and Thomas Kinkade, and consider what the paintings themselves communicate about theology (by examining what subject they depict, and, more importantly, how).
2) Next, we’ll consider the theology of the gospel itself, and in what ways these paintings support or supplant that message.
3) Finally, we’ll examine works by Jeff Koons, Francis Bacon, and Vincent van Gough (among others), and repeat our strategy from above, though hopefully with a different outcome!
If you’re an artist, a theologian, or just an amateur art historian who’s curious to see in what ways theology and visual art may intersect, this breakout session is for you. The format of this session will be conversational, so come ready with lots of questions.
Pre-Register for our NYC Conference today!
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This sounds superb, and I’m longing to know/hear more, even though I’m across the pond in England. Will any of this material be made available on the site here or other means? I’m an artist and I’m currently looking at developing a project on faith and the arts for my church – this looks exactly like the direction that we need to be considering.