Imagining the Sacred: An Art History Lecture Series
One of the purposes of the visual arts is to reveal glimpses of God’s truth, beauty, and goodness—making the unseen visible and pointing to the Creator. This course will examine how different spiritual traditions—such as Zen, Greco-Roman beliefs, Islam, and Medieval Christianity—have influenced artistic expression, considering both Christian and non-Christian artistic expressions through the lens of the Incarnation, in which art and art-making are viewed as expressions of our being made in the image of God. Through lectures and discussions, we will consider how artworks—from ancient Chinese bronzes to illuminated manuscripts, Greek sculpture, Cathedrals and altarpieces, and modern abstract painting—seek to express transcendent realities, and how their work can be understood in relation to God’s ultimate truth revealed in Jesus. Readings and simple in-class exercises will encourage participants to think critically, respond creatively, and see art as a means to glorify God. Suitable for all levels.
Details:
Instructor: Jessica Zaikin-Cook
Location: Shelbourne Street Church of Christ, 3460 Shelbourne St, Victoria, BC V8P 4G5
Duration: Starts Thursday September 18th; runs 6 weeks total, every Thursday evening
Course fee: $175 or $99 until September 12th
Jessica Ziakin-Cook researches the relationships between Christianity and art in the late modern period. Her work considers how religiously-inflected artworks create community and pose critical yet essential questions about the nature of religious life and art – to understand their impact on individuals and societies. A doctoral student in Art History and Visual Studies, she earned her MA in AHVS and BA in History in Art and Psychology at the University of Victoria and McGill University. She is an Associate Fellow at the Center for Studies in Religion and Society (CSRS) and a faculty member at the Vancouver Island School of Art (VISA). A practicing artist and mother of two, Jessica's artwork is based on illuminated manuscripts and textile design, and explores the construction of sacred space and cultural heritage. She has 25 years of experience teaching art, art history and Christian studies in both secular and sacred communities. She is grateful to live, work and worship in the territories of the Lekwungen (Songhees and Esquimalt) and the W̱SÁNEĆ Peoples.
