300 - The Role of Art in Identity - Princeton Scala Conference
Jul 28, 2023
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Three guests, including artists Jonathan Pageau and Aidan Hart, and Anna Bond, the Co-Founder of Rifle Paper Company, discuss the role of art in identity. They explore topics such as the universal vision of art, the breakdown of public art, and the transformative power of art in shaping identity. They also touch on the problems of idolizing political figures and explore the connections between art, faith, and community building.
Art has the power to bring unity and identity to a community, celebrating shared values and promoting a sense of belonging.
Contemporary culture often emphasizes fragmentation and challenges the role of art in contributing to the political common good.
Art has the potential to transform identity, offer a vision of transcendent reality, and contribute to a more harmonious and inclusive society when approached as a means of participation and celebration rather than tearing down.
Deep dives
Art as a Source of Unity and Identity
Jonathan Peggio discusses the power of art to bring unity and identity to a community. He emphasizes the role of art in gathering people together towards a common purpose and celebrating their shared values. By exploring the relationship between art and identity, Peggio highlights the potential for art to promote a sense of belonging and meaning within society.
The Challenges of Art in the Political Common Good
Peggio acknowledges the challenges that art faces in contributing to the political common good. He notes that not everyone venerates public monuments, and contemporary culture often emphasizes fragmentation rather than unity. Additionally, the lack of cultural memory can hinder the effectiveness of art in creating a shared identity and understanding. Peggio raises the question of whether art has the capacity to address these challenges and fulfill its role in promoting a healthy political common good.
The Relationship Between Identity and Art
Peggio explores the interconnectedness of identity and art, emphasizing the role of art in shaping and reflecting a collective identity. He argues that art has the power to bind people together, to transform identity, and to offer a vision of a transcendent reality. Peggio suggests that when art is approached as a means of participation and celebration rather than tearing down or questioning, it can contribute to a more harmonious and inclusive society.
The importance of memory and remembering in relation to the tabernacle
The podcast discusses the significance of memory and the act of remembering in relation to the tabernacle. It emphasizes that memory is not only about distance from something, but also about direction towards something. The tabernacle is presented as a way to remember and participate in something beyond the commonality of everyday life, serving as a memory of Eden. The participation in the rituals of the tabernacle and the remembrance of events like Passover are highlighted as means to connect with one's origin and to understand the importance of community.
The challenges of political and cultural idolatry and the role of religious art
The podcast explores the dangers of idolizing political and cultural figures as a replacement for recognizing the divine. It suggests that placing too much focus on political leaders leads to idolatry. The conversation shifts towards art and its purpose in society. The role of religious art in particular is discussed as a way to connect with the divine and to help individuals remember their place in the world. The discussion highlights the importance of proper veneration and how liturgical art can help individuals connect with their faith on a personal level and then extend that grace to build community.
This is a talk I gave in April at the Scala Foundation's April 2023 conference on Art, the Sacred, and the Common Good held at the Princeton Theological Seminary in Princeton, New Jersey. Featuring in-depth discussions with artists Jonathan Pageau, Aidan Hart, and Rifle Paper Company Co-Founder Anna Bond. In this talk, I address art and its relation to memory and identity, especially as applicable on the civil level. Public art forms part of and is a reflection o our common identity. I also discuss the unique opportunity in sacred art, which connects us not only to each other but also objective reality, the ultimate source of all identities.
YouTube version: https://youtu.be/mfDm4VefkJg — Original post by Scala Foundation: Jonathan Pageau at Scala Conference 2023: "Memory and the Role of Art in Identity" - https://youtu.be/VvQH04Mhc2k — Warmup discussion: The Mother of God - Scala Foundation webinar - https://youtu.be/A68n2M4iFFY Playlist of all the talks at the event: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRZHnw30gpFeBFtZE-wsj5or0BdQtIMjh Scala Foundation website: https://scalafoundation.org/ ------------ Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Preview clip 00:01:17 - Introduction 00:03:38 - Start of talk: The start of his icon carving career 00:05:29 - The current perception of art 00:08:46 - A more universal vision of art 00:14:22 - Ancient art and coming together 00:17:54 - Art binds us to what's most important 00:20:01 - Secular participative art 00:22:53 - The breakdown of public art 00:27:10 - Identity and opposition 00:31:17 - Remembering the origin 00:34:57 - Art gone wrong: Babel and propaganda 00:40:21 - The Christian vision of art 00:50:03 - The final image 00:53:05 - End of talk 00:53:13 - Question: Heavenly Jerusalem 00:58:03 - Q: Are the arts up to the task? 01:07:35 - Q: What does repentance look like civically? 01:10:00 - Q: Connecting te Church and the home ------------ 💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com 🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau 🗣 Join The Symbolic World Community for discussions about symbolism: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe 🔒 BECOME A PATRON Website: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/pageauvideos 📱 SOCIAL MEDIA Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheSymbolicWorld Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/pageaujonathan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathan.pageau
Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/ My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson.
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