Luminous: Conversations On Sacred Arts

Shawn Wallace is many things—a master of the jazz idiom, a pedagogue, a social commentator, and a man of deep faith. Finding himself an Orthodox Christian, he has brought the rich and beautiful musical legacy of black gospel music with him, showing us all how big the tent can be. We talk about that project, and learn much about his origin story—including the origin of “Thunder.”

Richard Viladesau is one of the masters of the field of theological aesthetics. His work has centered on philosophical theology, in particular the question of how we know God — and really how we know anything. He is interested too in the concept of revelation, both in Christian and non-Christian traditions. In recent years he has become known primarily for his contributions to the field of aesthetics, theoretical and historical. He has been on the faculty of Fordham University since 1988, and is author of numerous important books, including a monumental five-volume series with Oxford University Press, on how the passion of Christ is depicted in the arts.  Our conversation goes many fascinating places, including a broad expansion of what “aesthetics” actually is. 

On a special episode of Luminous, we feature a six-way discussion on the experience of African American Orthodox Christians and the encounter with existing musical traditions in the Orthodox Church.Co-sponsored by the world-class vocal ensemble Cappella Romana and our own Institute of Sacred Arts, we brought together some key voices to help identify some bridges. A typical experience of Orthodox Christian liturgy will often bear stronger or weaker traces of Byzantine, Slavic, and/or Middle-Eastern church-music traditions. What happens in North America, especially for people with no particular ties to those cultures and their aesthetics? That question has been raised for more than a century for thousands of Western converts; it is raised in a particular way for an increasing number of African Americans bringing themselves and their histories to the Orthodox Church. What resonates, and why? What kind of exchange is possible? 

The Sacred Art of the Vestment. Deeply gifted in the art of sewing and embroidery, also articulate in reflecting on her craft, Krista adds immeasurably to the conversation on sacred arts.

One of the world’s greatest living bass players, and a person of deep faith, John and Peter have a lot to talk about, such as the inspiration behind John’s composed and improvised music.

Peter and Grant talk about enchantment (and disenchantment), how to listen, learn from the religiously uncommitted. Oh yes and bricolage.

Jeremy Begbie explores integrating music and visual arts for a holistic view of beauty. They discuss 'bright sadness' in art, interpretation of music with theological depth, singing the Creed in liturgical settings, and the role of composers in conveying theology through music.

Pageau is an icon-carver, graphic designer, and a public commentator on sacred art and the meaning of the symbolic world. In this episode Jonathan talks about his apprenticeship in Kenya, the sacred in art, and about his video presentations and their following. His YouTube channel has over 80,000 subscribers.

One of the great scholars and teachers of art history, specializing iniconography—especially in her beloved Cyprus—Prof. Carr talks about themeaning of “sacred” in sacred art, and about the Institute’s vision of“exploring the intersection of human creativity and holiness.”

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.