Art and Religion in the 21st Century
Saturday 5 December 2015 3 - 4pm
The Reynolds Room, Burlington House, Royal Academy of Arts
£5.
Blaspheming artists get all the press. But contemporary artists are among the most profound and sensitive commentators on religion today, Dr Aaron Rosen argues in his new book, ‘Art + Religion in the 21st Century’.
The image of the blaspheming modern artist, trampling on all that’s good and holy, always grabs headlines. But while some artists simply aim to shock and offend religious sensibilities, they are surprisingly rare. Contemporary artists who engage seriously with religious traditions, themes, and institutions are much more prevalent, and—Dr Aaron Rosen argues—much more interesting. As a new millennium finds its legs, it’s time to set aside old assumptions about the antagonism between art and religion and look at the topic with fresh eyes.
Drawing upon his new book, Art + Religion in the 21st Century , Dr Rosen reveals how contemporary artists are re-shaping how we think about the role of religion in everyday life, from debates about gender and sexuality to environmental ethics. This talk will pay special attention to the work of Royal Academicians, including Tracey Emin, Michael Landy, Antony Gormley, Richard Long, and Yinka Shonibare MBE.
This event coincides with the publication of Art + Religion in the 21st Century and a book signing will follow this talk.