A&O Meetup in Indianapolis: Islamic Art, on May 18, 2012

ALPHA OMEGA ARTS
By Greg Disney-Britton

INDIANA - In advance of the Indianapolis Museum of Arts exhibition "Beauty & Belief: Crossing Bridges with the Arts of Islamic Culture" (November 2, 2012-January 13, 2013): enjoy a sneak preview of a new documentary about Islamic art, "Islamic Art: Mirror of the Invisible World." 

• Religion:  Islamic Art
• Medium: Documentary includes ornamented palaces and the play of light in monumental mosques to the exquisite beauty of carved boxes and metal work.
• Location: Toby Theater at the Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indianaplis, IN
• When: Friday, May 18, 2012 (90-minutes)
• Narrator: Actress, Susan Sarandon with closed captions
• Cost: "Free" but please RSVP so we can connect before, during and after.

This "free" premeire takes place two months before its PBS premiere, and covers nine countries and over 1,400 years of history, art and architecture. Remember, Religious Art is for Believers, but Skeptics too, so let's Meetup and share the journey on Friday, May 18 at 7 pm in Indianapolis.

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Controversial Painter Depicts Obama With Burning Constitution

CBS NEWS | DC
By Peter Milo

"One Nation Under Socialism"

UTAH---Jon McNaughton, a controversial artist who often mixes religion and politics in his work, has released a new painting. In “One Nation Under Socialism,” President Obama holds the U.S. Constitution as it burns. While McNaughton previously depicted Obama stepping on the nation’s founding document, “One Nation Under Socialism” glowers directly as if challenging the viewer. His right hand is holding the Constitution and his left hand is pointing to the flames. [link]

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Indian-born God seeker & artist, Anil Revri explores similarities of religions

THE WASHINGTON POST
By Mark Jenkins

"Ram Darwaza 1" (2008) by Anil Revri. Private Collection

WASHINGTON, DC - Anil Revri is a God seeker. The Indian-born, Corcoran-educated artist is from a Hindu background, but the work in his “Faith and Liberation Through Abstraction” encompasses, and respects, many traditions. These “visual aids to meditation,” on display at the American University Museum, contain no images that transgress some sects’ ban on representing living creatures. Instead, they’re constructed from lines, dots and words. [link]

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Eight Artists for Holy Week's "Passion Story"

ALPHA OMEGA ARTS
By Ernest Disney-Britton

For Holy Week, we are doing something a little different. After some debate, we've selected the works of eight contemporary artists to tell the Passion Week story from Palm Sunday through Easter. The artists include Believers, and Skeptics too. Here's the schedule:

1. Palm Sunday: William Hemmerling (Jesus enters Jerusalem to the waving of Palms)
2. Monday: Douglas Blanchard (Jesus expels the Money Changers from the temple)
3. Tuesday: Adi Nes (Jesus fearlessing teaches in Jerusalem)
4. Wednesday: Ed Knippers (Jesus demonstrates humility by washing the feet of his disciples)
5. Thursday: Gerda Liebmann (Jesus demonstrates how to remember him, during the Last Supper his family is together)
6. Friday: David Mach (Jesus, the son of God, is crucified)
7. Saturday: David LaChapelle (Jesus lies dead in the tomb)
8. Easter Sunday: Tony Melendez (Christ is Risen)

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Jewish & Christian Antiques - Religious Art for the Season and All Year

CAPE MAY COUNTY HERALD
By  Arthur Schwerdt

This is a detail of a bronze triptych (a three panel wok of art) of the Resurection.
It is possibly a Victorian re-cast of an original 17th Century German sculpted altarpiece

NEW JERSEY - With both Easter and Passover this weekend, this week’s column is a photo essay of some interesting devotional art. Religious art of all the world religions, from main steam to tribal, has been attracting collectors’ attention lately. Handmade pieces are especially impressive, not only for their exceptional craftsmanship, but also for the passion and commitment communicated by the artists. [Link]

Besomin spice box (above)
Jewish religious items are called "Judaica"

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Today's Holy-day Art (LENT, day #34) by Jacopo Tintoretto

"Christ Washing His Disciple's Feet" by Jacopo Tintoretto

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Islamic Art in Utah shows the similarities between Muslims & Mormons, beyond "M"

THE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE
By Glen Warchol

Syrian scroll with Arabic caligraphy dating to the Middle Ages

UTAH - "Beauty and belief in Islam" exhibition will be at the Brigham Young University Museum of Art in Provo through Sept. 29. Altogether, this timely exhibit of the nexus of faith, calligraphy, architecture and design gives non-Muslim visitors some idea of the sacredness of the written word to Muslims and its place in Islamic art. A saying attributed to the Prophet Muhammad helps explains the outrage over the Quran burning in Afghanistan: "The ink of the scholar is holier than the blood of the martyrs." [link]

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and BYU always have had warm relations with the Muslim community, Hossain says (Iqbal Hossain, president of the Islamic Society of Greater Salt Lake). A dozen or more Mormon students visit the Salt Lake mosque every Friday to learn about Islam, and the LDS Church offers meeting rooms in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building in Salt Lake City to the Islamic community. "There’s a lot of similarities between the Islamic and the Mormon communities, in terms of family values and the fundamental dos and don’ts of life," he says.

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Discovery Channel presents world premiere of "The Resurrection Tomb Mystery"

DISCOVERY CHANNEL



Can an image and inscription found in a Jerusalem tomb constitute the oldest Christian art ever discovered and hold the key to the mystery of Jesus' earliest followers? The answers lay are revealed in Discovery's world premiere event special THE RESURRECTION TOMB MYSTERY airing Thursday, April 12 at 10pm e/p. The revealing groundbreaking film probes what the concept of resurrection meant to the first followers of Jesus, offering a dramatic archaeological witness evidence as to what the people who knew Jesus actually believed. [link]

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Frisco artist, Lisa Andrews paints to bring viewers closer to God

CATHOLIC SAN FRANCISCO
By Dana Perrigan

"Totus Tuus" hangs in Hopedale, Ohio

CALIFORNIA - Lisa Andrews not only paints what she preaches – she practices it as well. The Bay Area artist, who may devote months of research to her subject before applying paint to canvas, invariably begins a project the same way: “I always start with a prayer,” she said. Andrews’ “The Assumption” has been installed at Father of Mercy Chapel of the Franciscan Sisters, in Toronto, Ohio. Her painting of Pope John Paul II and Mary together (“Totus Tuus”) hangs at the Church of the Sacred and Immaculate Hearts of Jesus and Mary in Hopedale, Ohio. [link]

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(VIDEO) Dura Europos Project II, UJA Federation New York, 2012 - Latest Version

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Portrait of Virgin Mary in bondage to be unveiled on Good Friday in Oklahoma City

ALPHA OMEGA ARTS
By Tahlib

Neo-Pop artist Marilyn Artus is pissed-off at how "my" Roman Catholic Church dominates women, and on Good Friday she will make her point with a new portrait, "The Lady of Nazareth Chose to Play Along." This new portrait of the Virgin Mary is a statement of protest of what Artus considers infringement of women’s rights by the Catholic Church and of many prominent conservatives.

The portrait will be unveiled at the AKA Gallery in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday,  April 6, 2012 (Good Friday). In a press release from her representative, Cory Allen, Artus explains, “My image shows solidarity for the Virgin Mary, not blasphemy." For more info, contact Cory Allen at 323-393-3115 or visit http://www.cacanet.com/.

“The Lady of Nazareth Chose to Play Along,”
Giclee Printed Collage With Hand Embroidery and Acrylic

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Flemish artist of 1600s reminds us that Religions are often petty, clumsy and vicious

ABC ONLINE (Australia)
By Damon Young

"The Crossing of the Red Sea" (1597-1600) by Sebastian Vrancx

AUSTRALIA - The Red Sea has parted, graciously let the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage, and then dumped its salty death upon the Egyptian pursuers. The exceptionalist god has again made his alliances clear: the Jews are his, to save and punish as he sees fit. But if we look closely at 'The Crossing of the Red Sea', Sebastian Vrancx's painting hanging in the National Gallery of Victoria, the story has been revised to suit the late-16th-century Low Countries.

The Jews are actually Catholics, as Vrancx's Flemish homeland, in the Southern Netherlands, was controlled by Spain. And floundering in the sea are not Egyptians, but the enemies of the Church: Muslims and German Protestants. Vrancx's painting is a reminder that religion is often as petty, clumsy and average as secular life - only less candid. [link]

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Is there such a thing as "Jewish" Art? Historian says, "Yes!"

SUN SENTINEL
By James Davis

FLORIDA - Is there such a thing as Jewish art? Historian Marilyn Becker says so, and she'll explain why in a show-and-tell April 1. "The Legacy of Jewish Art and Artists" is set for 3 p.m. at Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton. Becker will give her presentation on the fifth floor of FAU's Wimberly Library. Becker will give an overview of the role of Jewish artists from various stages of history. Among them will be French impressionist Camille Pissarro, Italian painter and sculptor Amedeo Modigliani, German-born British painter Lucian Freud and Russian-American abstract expressionist Marc Rothko. [link]

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Today's Holy-day Art (LENT, day #33) Giovanni Agnostino da Lodi

"Christ washing disciple's feet" by Giovanni Agnostino da Lodi

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London gallery leading way to bridge interfaith conflict with interfaith art competition

ALPHA OMEGA ARTS
By Tahlib

UNITED KINGDOM - To reduce interfaith conflict, a gallery in London launched a national art competition across the UK in 2009 to explore the underlying issues around interfaith conflict, and bring faiths together. This year, the competition is tied to the International Olympics, and the annual event, "My Place On The Isle: Exploring Faith & Identity" shall again be exhibited at the Mica Gallery. The winners will then be celebrated at an Awards Ceremony in central London in Summer 2012, receive media coverage and potentially showcase their work during 2012, as part of a tour of the UK, which organizers hope will be part of the 2012 Olympic Games.

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(Photo) "A New Jerusalem" by Zoe Ali and Christos Tsiolkas (Australia)

"A New Jerusalem" by Zoe Ali and Christos Tsiolkas
Courtesy of Blake Prize for Religious Art, Australia

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Chinese Art Buyers Renege on $Millions for Buddhist Art, Forces Clampdown

BLOOMBERG NEWS
By Katya Kazakina and Scott Reyburn

A Chinese Imperial jade seal and album of calligraphy
are being re-offered for sale this week after their Asian bidders failed to pay.

HONG KONG - Amid a growing appetite by wealthy Chinese for art, wine and other collectibles, sellers are demanding deposits by bidders on top lots and, in some cases, suing the non-payers.  Olivier Doutrebente in Paris has put a valuation of as much as $1.6 million on a 35-sheet album of 18th- century Buddhist texts associated with the Emperor Qianlong, up for sale on March 30. The album, owned by relatives of the Sinologist Georges Soulie de Morant, was bid to 3.6 million euros by a Chinese buyer a year ago. It will be re-offered by the Paris-based auctioneer Olivier Doutrebente on March 30, a year after it first appeared for sale in the French capital. The successful bidder in March 2011 failed to pay. [link]

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Holi Festival Of Colors 2012 (VIDEO)

HUFFINGTON POST



UTAH - Wow! This amazing video shot by filmmaker Devin Graham and his friends documents color-covered goings on at this year's Holi Festival in front of the Krishna Temple in Spanish Fork, Utah. The Hindu festival of Holi has various legends attached to it, according to HoliFestival.org. [link]

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When is the Swastika a Holy symbol vs. a Sign of Evil?

ALPHA OMEGA ARTS
By Ernest Britton

Detail of untitled work in Indianapolis with swastika, cross, ankh in a collage

Sometimes you come across a work of art that stays on your mind because you simply cannot figure it out, and you want to figure it out. Such is the case with a painting (above), that I stumbled upon in a warehouse in Indianapolis. It's unsigned, and no one has yet been able to identity the painter but I am thinking of buying it  as a teaching tool because of its intriguing use of religious symbols: Christian, Buddhist, and Hinduism's holy swastika.

Swastika? Yes, most Christians think of the 4-sided swastika as the sign of evil Nazism, but some argue that the clockwise versus counter wise motion reveals a difference. I can't find conclusive evidence to support either point of view but the right-facing swastika does appear to be a core symbol of Neo-Nazi groups. However, Hindu's use it facing both right and left for holy balance, and did so long before there were Nazis. It is also the only holy symbol for the Jain religion, and while Buddhists use it facing left, most of us can't see the difference.

I am grateful to my twitter pal, @MsSymbols for sending me to a swastika website that gives a history which includes its use by Hopi Indians in America. The question for me is, should I buy it? It's a huge colorful work of collage that while not exceptional in execution isn't horrible, and for only $60 it has certainly provoked a lot of discussion already.

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Britons are ignorant of Christianity and the Classics, says Art Historian Sister Wendy

THE TELEGRPAH

UNITED KINGDOM - She says she regrets the public's lack of understanding of the Gospel stories, and adds that as a consequence they cannot grasp the meaning of much of the canon of European painting. Sister Wendy, the nun-turned-television-presenter, has warned that modern-day ignorance about Christianity and the Classics has left people unable to appreciate much of Western art.  [link]

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Today's Holy-day Art (LENT, day #32) by Rubens

"The Last Supper" by Rubens

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Apples, Mythology, Religion, Doctors and New Movies

"Adam & Eve" (1507) by Albrecht Dürer, oil on panel.

At midnight, "Mirror, Mirror" arrives in a movie theater somewhere here in NYC, because big red apples are everywhere!What's the story behind apples--good & evil? I've often thought it would be a great idea for someone, back-home to do an entire exhibition on the myth & mythology of this mystical or forbidden fruit. Americans, walking in the steps of Johnny Appleseed are fascinated with apples, and of course they are advocated by our doctors too (once a day). But the apples on billboards this week in NYC are the opposite of the good apples. These are the apples of Adam's sin; Eve's sexual seduction; and of "Fairy tale" deaths. This weekend, I going to buy a couple of big red apples from our corner street vendor, and take my wife (and daughter) to see "Mirror, Mirror." Maybe I will see you there.

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"Adoration of the Magi" at UV Art Museum sounds like an Easter Story

THE DAILY PROGRESS
By: David Maurer

VIRGINIA - After traveling thousands of miles, the 600-pound shipping case arrived at the University of Virginia Art Museum. Meticulously fitted inside was “The Adoration of the Magi,” the priceless 14th-century altarpiece painting by Italian master Bartolo di Fredi. For two days the case remained unopened in the main floor gallery, giving the contents time to settle. On the third day the case was raised gently into the proper upright position for disassembly. Bruce Boucher, director of the art museum, watched as the screws from the outer and inner cases were unfastened. [link]

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Most and Least Religious States in America

HUFFINGTON POST

America remains a generally religious nation, with more than two-thirds of the nation's residents classified as very or moderately religious. Gallup classifies 40 percent of Americans nationwide as very religious ; another 32% of Americans are nonreligious; the remaining 28 percent of Americans are moderately religious. These overall national averages, however, conceal dramatic regional differences in religiosity across the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Residents of Southern states are generally the most religious. On the other hand, residents of New England and a number of far Western states tend to be the least religious.  [link]

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NYC's Michael Galmer sculpts "The Ten Commandments" but this time in silver

Galmer with his sculpture "The Ten Commandments"

Michael Izrael Galmer, well known for creating numerous Judaica for The Jewish Museum of New York over the past ten years, has completed a new masterpiece called “The Ten Commandments,” an expressive five-foot sculpture made of highly engraved sterling silver. Scheduling is currently underway for exhibits beginning in early Spring 2012. [link]

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Contemporary Artist's trials inspire a sermon on the Garden of Gethsemane

ALPHA OMEGA ARTS
By Ernest Britton


Video streaming by Ustream
On March 25, in Illinois, the pastor's sermon at Cherry Valley United Methodist Church was on the stress & the comfort experienced by Jesus Christ during his Garden of Gethsemane. As illustration, Pastor Monty Fox used the real life example of his brother, Kansas artist Todd Dayton Fox who received God's comfort through painting his surrealist Passion Series. The lesson? God will always be there.

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Texans ink the Stations of the Cross on their bodies for Easter

THE FRONTIERSMAN
By Terry Mattingly

TEXAS - The leaders of Ecclesia Church in the hip, edgy Montrose neighborhood near downtown Houston — created in 1999 by a coalition of Southern Baptists, Presbyterians and others — have raised eyebrows and inspired headlines by embracing tattoos as the artistic medium for their eighth annual art exhibit during the 40-day season that leads to Easter. The title is “Cruciformity: Stations of the Cross on Skin.” Put all of these images together, said artist Scott Erickson, and they tell the stories of broken people. [link]

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From Pagan ritual, to Easter tradition, the Orthodoxy story of Easter Eggs

IPSWICH CHRONICLE
By Beverly Perna

Pysanky Easter Eggs

MASSACHUSETTS - Unlike the familiar dyed Easter eggs, these are strictly to look at and appreciate as religious, art, and cultural artifacts. Eggs decorated with a lot of black and detailed designs are indicative of a long life and thus a longer story. The Orthodox Church of St. John the Russian, 16 Mt. Pleasant St., will offer Pysanky Easter egg decorating classes for adults on Wednesday, March 28. Xenia Schneider, wife of priest Spyridon Schneider, said that the eggs were originally part of the pagan spring traditions, but with the advent of Christianity became a symbol of the resurrection. [link]

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Today's Holy-day Art (LENT, day #31) by Dinah Roe Kendall,

“Jesus washing his disciples’ feet” by UK artist Dinah Roe Kendall

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Muslim Matter's Art of the Month by Samme Panda

MUSLIM MATTERS | ART OF MONTH

Qurʾān 3:190, by Samee Panda | Courtesy of MuslimMatters.com

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A Paris exhibition explores the body in Arab art

THE NATIONAL
By Hannah Westley

Mouvement décomposé, 2010, by Mehdi-Georges Lahlou. Courtesy Galerie Dix9

FRANCE - As this exhibition goes to show, the body, contrary to popular belief in the west, has long been present in the work of certain Arabic artists and occupies an increasingly important place in the work of contemporary artists. Historically, art from the Arab world has focused on floral, vegetal and geometric motifs and calligraphy. The arabesque in Islamic art is often used to symbolise the transcendent nature of God but representations of the human body have generally been avoided as they are considered by many Muslims to be a form of idolatry. Le Corps Découvert opens today and continues until July 15. For more information visit imarabe.org. [link]

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Artist's Hindu-Islamic-inspired art used to promote Catholicism

BUSINESS MIRROR
By Roderick L. Abad

INDONESIA - Who would have thought that contradicting Islam and Catholic religions could come together harmoniously—at least visually? This is what up-and-coming Indonesian artist Anin Baroto presents in his ongoing art exhibit, dubbed Indonesian Expressions, at the Diamond Hotel in Manila. “This [Christian-themed figuration] is something I’m very interested in, and with this exhibit I really want to introduce how Hindu-Islamic-inspired art can be used to promote Catholicism, and show that the two religions can get along well through visual arts,” Baroto says. [link]

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Episcopal Diocese announces selection of artist for Pediment of the Cathedral Church of St. Paul

ARTDAILY

MASSACHUSETTS - The Rt. Rev. M. Thomas Shaw, SSJE, Bishop of The Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts announced the selection of artist Donald Lipski to complete the long-unfinished pediment of the Cathedral Church of St. Paul at 138 Tremont St, in Boston, as part of major renovation plans in celebration of the 100th anniversary of its dedication as the diocesan cathedral. Lipski’s proposal incorporates a non-traditional sculpture depicting a cross-section of a chambered nautilus placed against a blue field, to be dramatically lit at night. The pediment has been empty since the building’s completion in 1820. [link]

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Today's Holy-day Art (LENT, day #30) by Leivur Reinert Djurhuus

Staging for photo by Leivur Reinert Djurhuus

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Indo-Islamic motifs are a merger of art & architecture from a variety of faiths

THE TIMES OF INDIA
By Sajjad Shahid

The Taj Mahal

INDIA - The first major contact between India and the Arab world occurred with annexation of Sind by the Umayyad Caliphate in 711. After a preliminary period of polarization, there began a slow but inevitable exchange of ideas and beliefs that impacted both cultures, bringing about perceptible changes in both. Although obscure, the process of interaction eventually led to the evolution of the religious and cultural traditions which define modern India. Indo-Islamic art has absorbed all these symbols into its own imagery along with adding a lot more from the extensive Indian repertoire. [link]

• Apart from the pentacle (five pointed star) which remains the most used symbol in both Islamic and Christian art, a number of very potent symbols which have been in use for centuries, continue to evoke very strong emotional reactions.
• The Swastik, for example, represents aspects of creation and motion in Hindu iconography. In its international manifestation, it gained notoriety as the hated symbol of the Nazis. Its Persian avatar recurs frequently as the intentional focus in artistic renditions even in mosques in present day Iran.
• The six pointed hexagram, today identified predominantly as the Jewish 'Star of David', has been used by different cultures since earliest recorded history. In India it has been a revered symbol in Mughal art and architecture and is also found extensively in Jaina and Hindu graphics and illustrations.
• The lotus, a prime symbol of creation, has been the favoured embellishment for the springing of domes, especially in the Deccan.

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Movie Review: "The Hunger Games"

ALPHA OMEGA ARTS
By Tahlib

As expected, when I saw "The Hunger Games" on Saturday night, the theater was packed with teen-age girls, but this is not a "teen movie," but a movie about a teenager. The lead is a strong young woman whose story is powerfully told. It's an inspirational, innovative movie for& males & females of all ages (well, except for my toddler daughter, but one day it will be). It also says a great deal about matters of faith, particularly: hope, love, sacrifice; and what happens to a godless society. I left lifted, as did the teen-age girls (& boys) in the house, and I hope they felt as grateful as I did for those who do practice love, hope and sacrifice.(Go see)

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Peace Corp experience inspires the poetry/photo hybrids of Indiana's John Sherman

NUVO | INDY'S ALTERNATIVE NEWS
By Dan Grossman

"Fort Wayne" by John Sherman, poem & photograph

INDIANA - "Three Journeys That Redefined Lives: John Sherman" is on display at the Indiana Interchurch Center Art Gallery, 1100 W. 42nd St., 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, through March 30. Copies of two of Sherman's books — War Stories, a memoir of his experience as an aid worker in Nigeria during the Biafra War, and Marjorie Main — are available at the show. Born in 1944, John Sherman grew up on a farm 50 miles south of Fort Wayne, a city that was, believe it or not, a cultural Mecca for him during his youth.

During a tour of his show at the Indiana Interchurch Center Art Gallery, the first thing Sherman showed me was his poem “Fort Wayne,” printed on his photograph of the Roman Coliseum. Making reference both to Fort Wayne’s municipal coliseum and the slightly more renowned relic of the Roman Empire, the poem reads:

Coney Dogs were
the bread of our circuses
we were always happy
without even contemplating
being safe from the growling lions in Fort Wayne
whose ancestors
ate ours
in Rome.

Such juxtapositions are par for the course in this exhibit that combines Sherman’s passions for poetry and photography. Both are informed by his rural upbringing, as well as his experiences as a Peace Corps volunteer, aid worker and world traveler. [link]

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Today's Holy-day Art (LENT, day #29) by Leszek Forczek

"Christ washing the feet of his disciples" is by Leszek Forczek

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On Sunday, Congregants across America wore hoodies, to remember Trayvon Martin

ASSOCIATED PRESS
By Kyle Hightower

FLORIDA - Wearing hooded sweatshirts similar to the one that Trayvon Martin wore on the night he was killed, many preachers and worshippers echoed calls for justice Sunday in the shooting death of an unarmed black teenager in Florida last month. The one-month anniversary of Martin's death is Monday. He was shot while wearing a "hoodie" as he walked home on a rainy night in a gated community. [link]

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Meaning of Angels and Doves in Religious Art

THE OTTAWA CITIZEN
By David Warren

The symbol I propose to take literally today is that of the dove. It is familiar to everyone, in its quasireligious role as the peace symbol. Appropriated from Christian iconography, it is now an easily recognized item of international signage: a kind of marketing logo, to go with jingle or slogan. Its meaning has been narrowed to "no more war" - an unachievable condition on this planet. Yet it resonates still, from the depth of the spiritual tradition it appropriated. The Christians, for their part, took it from the Jews, and indirectly from the pagan Greeks and Romans upon whom the Hebrew people had made some impressions. It was a symbol of purity and peace from the most ancient times: in ancient Egypt, for instance, the insistent cooing of the dove at daybreak, was taken as summons to the sleeping soul, to awaken into immortal life. [link]

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Movie Review: "Big Miracle"

ALPHA OMEGA ARTS
By Greg Disney

Our A&O Movie Night experience was "Big Miracle" at the $1 movie theater, and it was a feel-good, great time of inspiration about the good inside all people. Inspired by the true 1988 story that flooded the national and international news media, "Big Miracle" is a documentary fused with the drama of "Free Willy" but told through the lens of the world of Public Relations. I found it interesting that there were no references to what church leaders like Pat Robertson, or congregations were saying back then but there is a great deal to say about Eskimo spirituality. Anyway, it was my pick for the weekend, and we both liked it.

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RELIGIOUS ART | NEWS OF WEEK

ALPHA OMEGA ARTS
By Tahlib

"THE SILENT DAY" (above), a Hindu ritual performed on the island of Bali in Indonesia is the NEWS OF WEEK. This holy-day marks the cleansing of the "evil one" from the coming new year. The mask of the evil one is created to be as ugly and horrifying as possible. Bali's nickname is the "island of hinduism," and is home to most of Indonesia's small Hindu minority. You may know the island as the location for the 2010 film, "Eat, Pray, Love" starring Julia Roberts.

BUDDHIST ART:

• Buddhist statuette from Nepal sells for $2.49 million, and the art market in Asia countinues to heat-up (The Wall Street Journal)
• Buddhism and Mythology become one in Thanapon Junkasain's series of painting (Bangkok Post)

HINDU ART:

• Russian court rejects call to ban Hindu holybook, as worries grow about religious freedom for groups other than the Russian Orthodox Church (Chicago Tribune)
• Balinese Hinduism's Holy-day, "The Silent Day" was marked on Friday, March 23, 2012 (Alpha Omega Arts)

ISLAMIC ART:

• Desecration of Quran, mosques shocks Tunisians as perpetrators try to provoke religious conflict with the Jewish people (ArtDaily) 

JEWISH ART:

• Jewish shooting victims from France flown to Jerusalem for burial, and Christians ask, "Why?" (KTBS/CNN)

CHRISTIAN ART:

• NYC Evangelical's prepares welcome for America's most popular Christian symbol, as Denver mourns (CNN)
• San Diego's "Surfing Madonna" is homeless once again thanks to the Attorney General (Channel 10)
• Searching for the "Figure of Christ" by Heinrich Hofmann, on his 188th Birthday (Alpha Omega Arts)
• Westboro Baptist Church inspires artwork for college exhibition: “God hates you,” and “Homo sex is sin” (Sonoma  State Star)
• 28 of 40 Holy-days of "LENT" with Art (Alpha Omega Arts)

INTERFAITH MIX-UP:

• America's leading Atheist brings celebrity artists to DC to rally for Non-Belief (CNN)
• Wine, Art & Religion: An A&O Reception on Sunday, April 1st in Indianapolis (Alpha Omega Arts)
• A&O Movie Review: Go See "John Carter" (Alpha Omega Arts)
• Holy-days in Art: "Silent Day" for Hindu's; "Equinox" for Pagans; and "Naw Ruz" for the Bahai (Alpha Omega Arts)

WANT MORE? Get your daily dose of Alpha Omega Arts on Facebook and/or Twitter, or just come back each day. Whether it's Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Islamic, Judaic or other, there's always something new to talk about in today's interfaith world of religious arts. Each week, we also invite you to join a dialogue about your A&O MOVIE NITE experience; and at least five times a year, A&O sponsors an A&O JOURNEY to a city around the USA to see a major new religious art exhibit, so let's Meetup!

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‘Mirror Mirror,’ ‘Grimm’ and Hollywood's Love for Fairy Tales

THE NEW YORK TIMES
By Terrence Rafferty

On March 30 Tarsem Singh’s “Mirror Mirror,” a zippy new version of the Snow White story, arrives, and yet another retelling, “Snow White and the Huntsman,” is threatened for this year. “Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters” looms on the horizon too, scheduled for early 2013. And two of the livelier series of the current television season, “Grimm” and “Once Upon a Time,” are based on tricky fairy-tale premises. Not all these movies and shows are destined to live happily ever after in the memories of their target audiences, but the entertainment industry, with its childlike trust in the powers of its own magic, clearly believes we’ll be enchanted. [link]

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Today's Holy-day Art (LENT, day #28) "Crucifixian" by Rommel Bundalian

"Crucifixian" by Rommel Bundalian (b. Philippines)
Photography, Poser, Photoshop with Tablet

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What does Tom Torluemke mean in "Cardinals and Choirboys"?

"Cardinals and Choirboys" (2011) by Tom Torluemke

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Denver Christians mourn Tebow’s departure, say they’ll root from afar

CNN
By Dan Merica

COLORADO – When star quarterback Peyton Manning signed with the Denver Broncos this week, Denver pastor Jim Mackey signed at the thought that Tim Tebow probably wouldn’t be wearing Broncos blue and orange next season. The Broncos don’t need two star quarterbacks and the New York Jets announced Wednesday that Tebow is now theirs. “It is an emotional thing and a bit more emotional for people who have connected with Tebow’s expression of faith,” Mackey said. “Rather than just a QB controversy, which is not unique in the NFL, this does seem to have hit more of a personal nerve for those in the Christian community.” [link]

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From Hebrew school to becoming America's leading Atheist

CNN
By Dan Merica

MARYLAND - Sitting in a chilly hotel hospitality suite in a suburban Maryland hotel, David Silverman plans his attack. As a kid in Massachusetts, Silverman was the only atheist he knew. Silverman was raised Jewish. His parents sent him to Hebrew school and he had a bar mitzvah, even after telling his mother that he did not believe in God. “I remember it clearly, getting up on stage and everybody in my life was in front of me. Everyone,” Silverman says, recalling his bar mitzvah. “And I stood up there, and I looked everyone in the eye, and I lied. I lied. And I hated it.” For Silverman, it was a turning point, a moment when he resolved not to lie about his disbelief. [link]

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Today's Holy-day Art (THE SILENT DAY) for Hindu new year in Bali

ALPHA OMEGA ARTS
By Tahlib

Hindu devotees carry an effigy locally called "Ogoh-ogoh" a demonic representation,
ahead of the Silent Day in Bali. Picture: CLARA PRIMA/AFP/Getty Images

The Silent Day is a religious celebration of the Hindu faith. Due to the wide diversity in the beliefs, practices and traditions encompassed by Hinduism, there appears not to be one universally accepted definition on who a Hindu is, or even agreement on whether the term Hinduism represents a religious, cultural or socio-political entity. The Silent Day (New Year) marked here is Hindu practice in Bali.

• Significance: Nyepi primarily aims to purify human nature, and also of the universe.
• Observances:  It is a day of silence, fasting, and meditation
• Length: Observed from 6 a.m. until 6 a.m. the next morning,
• Date: Nyepi/Silent Day in 2012 will be on March 23rd
• Customs:  Some common rituals performed include making offerings for Buta Kala, so he would not disturb people (called Mecaru ceremony), parading around the ogoh-ogoh (see above), that is a kind of sculpture which is burned (called Pengrupukan ceremony). There is also a ritual that wash away all the dirt into the sea as a symbol of purification (called Melasti ceremony), and the last after D-day there are events and mutual visits between relatives and and ask for forgiveness. This is all done so that Hindus have an inner readiness to undergo the new year.
• Symbol: Buta Kala (the symbol of evil) is usually made grim-faced and ugly.

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Jewish dead flown to Jerusalem for burial, and Christians ask, "Why?"

KTBS
By Jessica Ravitz, CNN

Israeli national flag

FRANCE - The four victims of Monday's shooting at a Jewish school in Toulouse, France, were buried Wednesday morning -- not in their home community but, after an overnight flight from Paris, in Jerusalem. Being laid to rest in Israel, the birthplace of Judaism, ensures that their remains will not be tampered with. "It goes all the way back to the Bible, when Jacob passed away," explains Rabbi Shaul Ginsberg. Another incentive to be buried in Israel [is] rooted in the belief that when the Messiah comes, those buried in Jerusalem will be resurrected first. [link]

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Art for LENT (Holy-day #27) "The Crucifixion" by Spencer Williams

ALPHA OMEGA ARTS
By Tahlib

"The Crucifixion" by Spencer Williams

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Extremist is dead, after killing Jewish children & rabbi in Parist

USA TODAY
By Remy de la Mauvinere, AP

FRANCE - An Islamic extremist who boasted of killing seven people to strike back at France died after being shot in the head by police as he jumped out of his apartment after a fierce gunfight with police, authorities said. His dramatic death ended a more than 32-hour standoff with an elite police squad trying to capture him alive. The suspect, 23-year-old Mohamed Merah, was wanted in the deaths of three paratroopers, three Jewish schoolchildren and a rabbi. Merah had filmed all three killings, and claimed to have posted them online. Police have viewed the videos. [link]

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Desecration of Quran, mosques shocks Tunisia

ARTDAILY

TUNISIA - Tunisia's government on Monday condemned the desecration of the Muslim holy book and attacks on mosques as attempts to sow discord in society. On Thursday in the town of Ben Guerdane near the Libyan border, two mosques were vandalized and Qurans inside damaged. On Friday a Star of David, a symbol of Judaism, was spray painted on the al-Fath mosque in the capital, Tunis. There has been no word on the identity of the perpetrators of the attacks, but they came at a time of heightened tensions between religious and secular elements in society. [link]

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Today's Holy-day Art (LENT, day #26) "I Give to You. John 14:27" by Mark Lawrence

ALPHA OMEGA ARTS
By Ernest O. Britton

"I Give to You. John 14:27" by Mark Lawrence
Image courtesy GreatBIGcanvas

Georgia artist Mark Lawrence is the most popular contemporary artist among the new members in the new MEETUP: Indianapolis Religious Art Project (see link below). Frankly, I was puzzled why I didn't know him when 3 of 15 named him as their favorite, exceeding the mentions for my favorite artist, Michelangelo. Gina wrote, "I read about Mark Lawrence and thought it was so cool that millions of bible verses could look like solid colors from a distance.  I do not know him personally (smile), but I think he is a genius." So, I did some Internet research, and now I am thrilled to be a follower too of this amazing Creator Spirit. Thanks to the Meetup members.

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Russian court rejects call to ban Hindu holybook

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
By Thomas Grove

A child dressed as Hindu Lord Krishna poses with a miniature
Bhagavad-Gita in Chandigarh (Ajay Verma Reuters, REUTERS / May 1, 2009)

RUSSIA - A Russian court rejected a call from prosecutors on Wednesday to ban one of Hinduism's holiest books.... Prosecutors argue that the book - a translation of the Bhagavad Gita - included a commentary that was 'hostile to other faiths'. The Bhagavad Gita takes the form of a conversation between Hindu god Krishna and a prince called Arjuna prior to a battle. The book, praised by Albert Einstein, forms the bedrock of the Hindu belief system. [link]

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INSPIRE ME! Calling all Religious Artists

ALPHA OMEGA ARTS
By Tahlib

Art lovers, especially people of faith, want to know the inspiration for truly imaginative works of fine art. Are you willing to share them? This is your chance! The process is simple: Answer seven questions (25-50 words each) and send images as illustration of those answers. You will then be added to the "US Artists"  roster; be profiled as the A&O Artist of the Month; and a permanent link will be added linking your website site to ours. We will also track news stories about you, and your artwork to include them on the blogsite. Interested? Here's the format:

1. What is your faith tradition, and where did you develop into an artist who explores religion?
2. How do you describe your art? What style or genre is it?
3. Have you ever had to defend exploring religious themes?
4. What do your collectors say about your work?
5. Who would you like to collect your work, and why?
6. What artists have influenced your style?
7. Where can A&O readers find other artists like yourself?

Remember to include a jpeg of artworks for each question, plus your own photo (7 is the magic number), and send it to me at "tahlib(a)aol.com", and please keep your writing in first-person to keep the interview personal, and inspirational!

PS. Adding a head shot in your studio helps A&O readers make that personal connection too. If you forget, I will follow-up to make the ask.

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Art for LENT (Holy-day #25) "Agony in the Garden" by Andrea Mantegna

ALPHA OMEGA ARTS
By Tahlib

 "Agony in the Garden" (1460) by Andrea Mantegna
Depicts Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane

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Buddhist statuette from Nepal sells for $2.49 million

THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
By Margherita Stancati

NEW YORK - A 13th-century bronze figure from Nepal sold for around $2.49 million at a Christie’s auction in New York on Tuesday — seven times more than its expected sale price. Christie’s expected it to sell for up to $350,000. The statuette, which is around 18 inches (45 centimeters) high, is a representation of the Padmapani, one of the many guises of the Buddhist god of compassion, Avalokiteshvara. [link]

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Art Exhibit: “God hates you,” and “Homo sex is sin”

SONOMA STATE STAR
By Danielle Flores

CALIFORNIA - The University Art Gallery on campus was buzzing with excitement last Thursday as student artists presented their best works from 2011 for the “Juried Student Exhibition 2012.” Sophie Benjamin’s piece was one that challenged the audience. Her cross-stitch pieces with phrases that said, “God hates you,” and “Homo sex is sin” took many audience members off guard. “It’s based on the signs you would see (from) Westboro Baptist Church,” she said, in regards to the religious group who has conducted protests at soldiers’ funerals. [link]

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Today's Holy-day Art (NAW-RUZ) for the Bahá’i faith

A nine pointed star of the Bahá’i faith

Naw-Rúzis a religious celebration of the Bahá’i faith which was founded about 150 years ago in a country called Persia, which is now Iran. It was founded by Bahá’u’lláh and his teacher, Báb.

• Significance: Naw-Rúz means ‘new day, ’a spiritual springtime, and that Naw-Rúz is used to commemorate it
• Observances: It is a time of prayer and celebration, and is one of nine Bahá'í holy days where work is to be suspended.
• Length: 1 day (at the end of a 19 days period of fasting)
• Date: Currently Naw-Rúz is fixed on March 21 for Bahá'ís that reside in countries outside the Middle East, regardless of exactly when the equinox occurs.
• Customs:  It is usually a festive event observed with meetings for prayer and music and dancing.
• Symbol: Their symbol is a nine pointed star made from 3 interlocking triangles representing that all people and religions are united.
• Learn more: Wikipedia

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Buddhism and Mythology become one in Thanapon Junkasain's series of painting

BANGKOK POST

THAILAND - "Mara", a series of spiritual paintings by Thanapon Junkasain runs until March 31 at the Banyan Tree, Sathon Tai Road, Bangkok. Located in the lobby of the Banyan Tree Bangkok, "Mara" is being staged by the non-profit arts organisation Wai Art. The contemporary Buddhist acrylics in Thanapon's first exhibition, "explore the concepts of right and wrong", according to the promotional material, by drawing on traditional mythology. For more information about Wai Art exhibitions, visit www.facebook.com/WaiArtProject. [link]

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