Guest Makoto Fujimura, a celebrated visual artist, reflects on the meeting place between art and faith, the church's role in creating beauty, co-creating with God, the choice between explicit and abstract depictions in visual art, finding beauty in brokenness, collaboration and connectivity with musicians, and the importance of spirituality and beauty in creating meaningful art.
Art and faith converge in Makoto Fujimura's work, bridging the gap between high culture and religious beliefs.
Fujimura sees art as a spiritual journey and a form of devotion, inviting others to perceive the visible presence of God.
Deep dives
The Intersection of Art and Faith
Makoto Fujimura, a contemporary artist and author, discusses the meeting place between art and faith. He reflects on the split between high culture and religious faith in the contemporary world and his journey in bridging that divide. He emphasizes the importance of understanding beauty, truth, and goodness in contemporary art, and how spirituality and deep longings are intrinsic to the art scene. Fujimura also explores the connection between brokenness and beauty, drawing on Japanese aesthetics to reveal the beauty that can be found in suffering. He highlights the significance of slow art and the invitation to create and experience art in a contemplative manner.
The Theological Work of Art
Fujimura views art as a theological work, explaining that the process of creating art is a spiritual journey. He sees the act of painting and illuminating biblical texts as a form of devotion, a way to slow down and connect with the divine. He explores the concept of co-creation, where artists, as mirrors of God's image, participate in the creative work of God. He delves into the theme of inspiration, which allows artists to see and depict the hidden realities of the world, inviting others to perceive the visible presence of God.
Sacred Art and Abundance
Fujimura believes that everything is sacred, and his goal as an artist is not to create a subcategory of sacred art, but to help people recognize the sacredness present in the everyday. He discusses the importance of beauty and mercy, which challenge the survival-driven mindset of our world. He advocates for a shift towards abundance and new creation, where art, mercy, and beauty are essential expressions of human existence. Fujimura also reflects on the transcendent power of collaboration between different art forms, emphasizing the connectivity and interplay between disciplines.
The Depth and Impact of Art
Fujimura's art is known for its layers and depth, inviting viewers to slow down and engage with the work on a deeper level. He shares how taking the time to truly see and experience art can lead to profound encounters and discoveries. He discusses the transformative power of art, the importance of being present in the creative process, and the role of art as a source of hope and inspiration in times of darkness and suffering.
A highly celebrated visual artist, Makoto Fujimura also reflects deeply on art, faith, and the need for cultural advocacy, through his books, most recently (with N.T. Wright), Art and Faith: A Theology of Making. He talks here on themes relating to his art, as well as another recent work, Silence and Beauty—an extended reflection on the implications for art of Shusaku Endo’s Silence.
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