Christmas is almost here. It means a lot of things to a lot of different people - just as Jesus Christ does (and even religion itself, for that matter). I thought I would explore the many different ways in which Jesus is portrayed in art. Enjoy and good luck in interpreting these.
Image Credit: <a rel="nofollow" href="http://randomspeak.blogspot.com/2007/02/odd-art-yet-another-installment-of-our.html">randomspeak</a> | <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.beckerman-art.com/">Michael Beckerman</a> | <a rel="nofollow" href="http://onestrangemorning.com/2008/05/tracksuit-jesus/">onestrangemorning</a> | <a rel="nofollow" href="http://raggedclothcafe.com/2007/03/04/weve-all-got-something-to-say/">raggedclothcafe</a> | <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.fmft.net/archives/002624.html">fmft</a> | <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.soulgraffitibook.com/2008/01/16/chapter-15-enter-the-jesus-dojo/">soulgraffitibook</a> | <a rel="nofollow" href="http://superflat.typepad.com/nevermindthebricolage/2008/06/strange-trinity.html">superflat</a> | <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.markshea.blogspot.com/2008_09_01_archive.html#5953862965104382658">markshea</a> | <a rel="nofollow" href="http://thebizzare.com/funny/jesus-probably-rode-dinosaurs/">thebizzare</a> | <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.funatiq.com/simply-funny/funniest-mcdonalds-pictures/">funatiq</a>
What Makes This Trend Stand Out
- Religious Artistic Subversion
- Opportunity to create subversive religious artwork that challenges traditional representations of religious figures
- Religious Iconography Reimagining
- Opportunity to re-imagine religious iconography in a way that speaks to modern audiences, while still respecting the traditional beliefs behind the art
- Religious Artistic Interpretation
- Opportunity to create artwork that explores new interpretations and meanings of religious figures and symbols
Sectors Adopting This
- Art
- Artists and galleries can push boundaries and explore new expressions of religious iconography
- Religion and Spirituality
- Religious institutions and organizations can use these subversive artworks as a way to start discussions and explore new meanings of traditional religious figures and symbols
- Fashion and Merchandise
- Brands can incorporate these subversive religious artworks into clothing and merchandise, tapping into the trend of religious-inspired fashion
