I write quite a bit about artists and the role of art, but what about patrons? By patrons I mean anyone who patronizes the arts in all its wonderful manifestations be it paintings, novels, movies, television, or music concerts.
Every time we choose a painting to display in our home, a book to read, a television show or movie to watch or even a concert to attend, we are casting a vote, a vote that by necessity excludes everything else. The arts that we patronize reflect the type of art and culture that we as a society want to promote and encourage.
Which brings us to Archbishop William Goh of Singapore and his recent comments on Madonna’s upcoming performance.
Read the article at Catholic News Agency here.
The Archbishop suggested that “Singapore’s music fans can do better than Madonna,” and offered a contrasting view of the arts and the world.
“As the people of God, we should subscribe to authentic arts that lead us to God through the appreciation of beauty, harmony, goodness, truth and love, respect, unity and the transcendent,”
Madonna’s current tour includes “scantily-clad dancers wear(ing) nuns’ habits while dancing on cross-shaped stripper poles.” It will be interesting to hear how that plays out, given that “The authorities have assured the archbishop that there are restrictions in place to ensure that content deemed offensive to religious beliefs would not be allowed on stage.”
The Archbishop is absolutely correct here. The arts should be used to bring people closer to God, not to appeal to our baser natures and not even to make an “artistic statement.”
The state of “Christian art” is frequently, and not without reason, criticized as being substandard but the solution is simple. If you want art that “leads to God through the appreciation of beauty, harmony, goodness, truth and love, respect, unity and the transcendent,” then patronize that type of art. If you have the means, commission that type of art.
If we really wish to change the world and restore the arts to their proper role of turning hearts and minds to God, then we need to start showing that desire by what we patronize.