I often think that one of the most overlooked periods of sacred art is the early 1900s. Christian artists of that period had a deep respect for tradition but were nit afraid to adapt traditional forms to contemporary needs. If anything their work displays a logical progression in the developmentContinue Reading
By now every parish has had their paschal candle burning brightly at Mass, and will continue to do so throughout the Easter season. It is very likely that the majority of these candles have been ordered from a liturgical supply company that offers a variety of mass produced candle designs,Continue Reading
A recent conversation I had with an abstract artist who also considers themselves a “Christian artist,” has given me the opportunity to give some thought to the role of abstract art in the Christian context. Can abstract art be Christian? Of course it can; if it is created by aContinue Reading
Patron of Christian Artists, John of Fiesole is known to the world as Fra Angelico. “One has to believe that this good monk has visited paradise and been allowed to choose his models there.” – Michelangelo Buonarotti Blessed John of Fiesole, pray for us. Continue Reading
One of my art teachers, back in the day, once pointed out what a presumptuous thing it was for visual artists, painters specifically, to refer to themselves at artists. Singers, writers, poets, actors, dancers, etc. all refer to themselves as singers, writers, poets, actors, and dancers. But only painters takeContinue Reading
The idea of art for art’s sake, that art should serve no other purpose outside of its own existence is a relatively new idea in terms of human history. The idea begins to crop up in various writings starting in the 1850s. This is also about the time that theContinue Reading
Matthew Alderman is a graduate of the Notre Dame Architectueal School and a man of many gifts, architect, artist, and designer of liturgical furnishings. He is a regular contributor to “The shrine of the Holy Whapping” (yes, really!) and “The New Liturgical Movement” (for which he designed their new logo.)Continue Reading