God in the Gallery: A Christian Embrace of Modern Art

by Daniel A. Siedell, Robert K. Johnston, William Dyrness

Overview

Is contemporary art a friend or foe of Christianity? Art historian, critic, and curator Daniel Siedell, addresses this question and presents a framework for interpreting art from a Christian worldview in God in the Gallery: A Christian Embrace of Modern Art. As such, it is an excellent companion to Francis Schaeffer's classic Art and the Bible. Divided into three parts—"Theology," "History," and "Practice"—God in the Gallery demonstrates that art is in conversation with and not opposed to the Christian faith. In addition, this book is beautifully enhanced with images from such artists as Andy Warhol, Jackson Pollock, Enrique Martínez Celaya, and others. Readers of this book will include professors, students, artists, and anyone interested in Christianity and culture.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780801031847
Publisher:	Baker Publishing Group
Publication date:	10/01/2008
Series:	Cultural Exegesis
Pages:	200
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

Daniel A. Siedell (PhD, University of Iowa) is presidential scholar and art historian in residence at The King's College in New York City. He is also visiting professor of Christianity and culture at Knox Theological Seminary. Siedell previously was scholar in residence at the New City Arts Initiative in Charlottesville, Virginia, and served at Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Prior to that, he taught at the University of Nebraska at Omaha and was curator of the Sheldon Memorial Art Gallery at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Siedell has published numerous articles in Christian Scholar's Review, Studies in Religious Perspectives, and various other journals.

Table of Contents

Preface     7
Introduction     11
Overture     21
A History of Modern Art     35
Enrique Martinez Celaya's Thing and Deception: The Artistic Practice of Belief     51
Embodying Transcendence: Material Spirituality in Contemporary Art     71
Art Criticism     109
Art, Liturgy, and the Church     133
Conclusion: The Search for Christian Art and the Christian Artist     153
Notes     167
Index     187

Editorial Reviews

Siedell likens Christians' encounter with modern and contemporary fine art to St. Paul's discovery of the "altar to an unknown god" on Mars Hill (Acts 17:23). Responding to those who have called for a separate Christian art (particularly Francis Schaeffer and H.R. Rookmaaker), he strives to reveal what modern art is "only able to point to, not to name." Siedell uses his in-depth knowledge as former art curator and current assistant professor of art history at the University of Nebraska at Omaha to argue that perceptions of this "legitimate cultural practice" can be "nourished by a robust Nicene Christianity." These disparate essays tackle subjects both ambitious (a history of modern art) and esoteric (a single work by artist Enrique Martínez Celaya; the conflict between art critics Harold Rosenberg and Clement Greenberg). Siedell's love of contemporary art is obvious, but his sometimes abstruse writing doesn't always clarify his formidable subject; indeed, it may reinforce some Christians' view of modern art as unapproachable. His primary audience is clearly art specialists, whether students or professionals; Siedell's interesting thesis may not reach the larger audience it deserves. (Oct.)

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