Imaging Church: Place, Practice, and People

June 9 – August 20, 2006

For centuries, visual artists have chosen to employ “church” as both subject matter and theme in their work. By creating images of peaceful chapels, grand cathedrals, acts of Christian devotion, and stinging commentary on the ills of organized religion, artists suggest the widespread influence of Christianity on a cultural landscape.

Several images in this exhibition present aspects of traditional church architecture. Note the high towers, spires, crosses, wide doorways, and arches. Other images depict Christian practices of prayer, singing, giving alms, and benediction. The people participating in these practices – their facial expressions and postures – offer additional ways to enrich an understanding of “church.”

Of course, churches are not the only centers of religious practice present in our contemporary landscape. Temples, synagogues, stupas, and mosques suggest other traditions and other practices. To learn more about Hinduism, Judaism, Buddhism, and Islam – four other traditions with significant presence in the world today – this exhibition includes a laminated gallery guide suggesting other works to consider in the Ackland galleries.

This exhibition is part of the Ackland's Five Faiths Project.

Egon Schiele, Austrian, 1890-1918: Church and Houses at Modling, near Vienna (detail), 1918; black chalk and gouache. Burton Emmett Collection.