Religion and art: Friends and enemies
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- December
- 4
Much of the world’s best art, of course, has been inspired by faith.
But religion and art don’t always get along.
Christian groups are periodically upset by the way Jesus or components of their faith are depicted by modern artists.
In today’s Journal News/LoHud, I have a story about Hindu groups protesting a provocative painting that is on display at the Neuberger Museum at Purchase College. The painting depicts one of Hinduism’s most important goddesses, Kali, in such a way that at least two national Hindu groups have asked for the work to be taken down.
The painting, called “Housewives with Steak-knives,” is by Sutapa Biswas, an Indian-born Hindu who has spent most of her life in England. She is an accomplished artist whose work has been shown around the world.
She spoke to me at length by telephone about her goals as an artist and about the many levels on which her painting can be interpreted.
At the same time, the Hindu groups in question seem to genuinely believe that Biswas’ painting is offensive toward their faith.
It’s an interesting case study, I think, into how different people interpret religious ideas and ideals so differently. No, it’s not a phenomenon that’s limited to western religions.
The painting is part of an exhibit focused on how immigration has changed Great Britain—and the concept of Britishness—in the post-war period.
This entry was posted
on Friday, December 4th, 2009 at 1:59 pm by Gary Stern.
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Category: "Housewives With Steak-Knives", Art and religion, Goddess Kali, Hinduism, Neuberger Museum, Purchase College, Sutapa Biswas
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The world of religion, we don't have to tell you, is vast. The purpose of this blog is for Stern to note, flag and comment on some of the more interesting religious developments on the scene – weighty and quirky, somber and laughable, far away and just down the road. He won't interpret Scripture, take sides in conflicts or judge anyone. But he will take advantage of the journalist's license to observe.
