RELIGIOUS ART | NEWS OF WEEK

ALPHA OMEGA ARTS
By TAHLIB

Last night during dinner, a friend said "Art is not supposed to be pretty." I wondered at his remark but didn't respond. What is Art supposed to be, and especially Religious Art? According to Henri Matisse, "Art should be something like a good armchair in which to rest from physical fatigue," and of course "pretty" is not necessary for a good armchair. This week, as I wrestled with a flare-up of intense bursitis, "The Madonna of the Cat" (above) by Federico Barocci's was my armchair. That armchair is a "pretty" master work of religious art now on view at the National Gallery in London, and it's my NEWS OF WEEK.

In other Religious Art news from across the USA, and around the world:

• Buddhism in Art: Wendy Brackman's 8-ft Paper Plate Mandala in Maryland. [More News]
• Christianity in Art: Jordan Eagles' "Blood/Spirit" in Missouri [More News]
• Hinduism in Art: $100 Million Hindu Temple opens near Hollywood. [More News]
• Islam in Art: Creatives fight Islamic bigotry with grassroots art campaign. [More News]
• Judaism in Art: Opening today: Elke Reva Sudin at the Hadas Gallery, NYC. [More News]

Are your friends members yet? If not, invite them today! We are believers and also skeptics united in seeking deeper human understanding through Religious Art. Since 2008, some have joined by making the $100 commitment to be a member of the governing A&O Society; others joined as smaller donors supporting the A&O Scholarship & Exhibition Prize; and still more as member-subscribers of this RELIGIOUS ART | NEWS OF WEEK. Please invite a friend to join the journey. It's for Believers and Skeptics too.