Daniel A. Siedell
Between Art and Religion
Daniel A. Siedell
Elkins is right, I think. Art and religion do not mix. But, as he continues in his little book, On the Strange Place of Religion in Contemporary Art, it is “irresponsible not to keep trying,” to develop closer or more productive relationships. Elkins simply cannot dismiss or disengage art from religion, despite the fact that he cannot resolve their relationship in a way that he finds satisfying. These two cultural practices, art and religion, are inextricably linked yet perpetually separated by that tiny conjunction, “and.” The stakes are high. Much of my recent work as a critic and a curator is predicated upon the capacity of this tiny conjunction to bear a heavy burden....
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Daniel A. Siedell
Elkins is right, I think. Art and religion do not mix. But, as he continues in his little book, On the Strange Place of Religion in Contemporary Art, it is “irresponsible not to keep trying,” to develop closer or more productive relationships. Elkins simply cannot dismiss or disengage art from religion, despite the fact that he cannot resolve their relationship in a way that he finds satisfying. These two cultural practices, art and religion, are inextricably linked yet perpetually separated by that tiny conjunction, “and.” The stakes are high. Much of my recent work as a critic and a curator is predicated upon the capacity of this tiny conjunction to bear a heavy burden....
Full Essay
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