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Title: State of the Arts: From Bezalel to Mapplethorpe (Turning Point Christian Worldview Series) by Edward Veith Gene, Gene Edward, Jr. Veith ISBN: 0-89107-608-5 Publisher: Crossway Books Pub. Date: April, 1991 Format: Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $15.99 |
Average Customer Rating: 3.33 (3 reviews)
Rating: 3
Summary: It's A Start
Comment: Veith tries to tackle a subject that has long been neglected - Christianity and art from biblical times to the postmodern era. Although he gives an acceptable overview for a 230 page paperback, there are many areas where he is just too simplistic.
Veith attempts to create an absolute of the "Christian artist" based on the Tabernacle work of Bezalel. That may be as erroneous as creating a flat world from the scripture verse that deals with "the four corners of the earth."
He makes quick generalized statements about non-Christian artists without being able to back them up - "Jackson Pollock's experiments in the random patterns made by paint flung onto a canvas, might exhibit some cleverness, I suppose - as in, whoever would think to do such a thing? - but no real intelligence or knowledge." Those of us who are artists, however, know better (Veith is an English professor). Pollock's work shows a remarkable amount of knowledge and mastery: The intricate rhythmic harmonies passed down from his mentor, Thomas Hart Benton; the "dance" of the western plains' indians now reproduced in an "action painting"; the understanding of how paint drips and flows (as seen in splatterings of nature); the knowledge of color harmonies; etc.
Veith also comments on Duchamp's inability to create art with his "ready-mades" (An idea championed by Francis Schaeffer). However, this is Duchamp's point. Art not only can be the idea and conception of the artist, but also, art exists around us in all forms that generally go overlooked. Duchamp expanded the narrow vision of the Christian artist and their understanding of creativity and freedom.
Until a writer/artist comes forward to write something of this nature, State of the Arts will have to do. Just remember to proceed with caution and don't buy the whole package.
Rating: 5
Summary: Recommended to the Christian Artist/Educator
Comment: Most helpful in this book, and probably unique compared to similar books, is "Part 2: The Biblical Foundations". (Sure, I had read Francis Shaeffer's "Art and the Bible"...But this may be a little more in-depth.) The chapters are called: "6)The Vocation of Bezalel" (the calling of the artist) "7)The Works of Bezalel"(various types of art sanctioned by scripture) "8)The Idolotry of Aaron" (Biblical example of a gifted artist who's art went arwy)
As a painter, I also found the chapter "Art and the Church" both encouraging and challenging. Dr Veith points to the centrality of the Word of God and the limitations of art & aesthetics compared to the Gospel. Very helpful.
I do not find Dr Veith's critique of the Art World to be too extreme, or as un-compassionate as a previous reader does. Considering the overall context of this book, it seems to me that Dr Veith emphasizes the high standard and purpose of Scripture for the arts, and invites Christians to join in on embracing these truths.
Rating: 2
Summary: Strong Criticisms
Comment: Because Veith's other text "Postmodern Times" was largely informative and interesting, I expected more from "State of the Arts" than it was able to deliver. But before I address its shortcomings, my admiration for Veith's undertaking must be made clear. He should be praised for addressing the contemporary arts from a Christian perspective, as few Christians actually give attention to this highly influential cultural force. Too many Christians have abandoned the arts and sought spiritual solace in gated Christian ghettos. Yet Christ calls us to be salt and light in the world and the art world is not to be excluded. Thank you Veith for bringing attention to this part of the world and its need for Christ's redemption.
With that said, there are some reasons "State of the Arts" should not be regarded as a guidebook for an Evangelical entry into the world of art. Because it was written shortly after the Mapplethorpe and NEA controversy, Veith's weakly cloaked hostility runs through book like a greased pig. While I do believe that his engagement with the art world was sincere, his frequent lapses into name-calling and stereotyping only hurt his credibility and call into question his objectivity. I suppose some examples are due:
1) According to Veith, the art patrons who refuse to be shocked by Mapplethorpe "think, How interesting. They experience the exquisite pleasure of feeling sophisticated, of belonging to an elite group who "gets it," while looking down on those who do not. The outrage or bewilderment of those outside the art world only increase their smugness at being on the cutting edge." (p. 20)
Here, Veith is perpetuating two myths that must be countered. One, the art world is not an homogeneous group of rich snobs who "feel sophisticated" and laugh at those who are excluded from their arty antics. On the contrary, it is widely diverse so as to preclude any attempt at unification. The plurality is mind-boggling. Two, not everyone in the cultural elite "refused to be shocked." By incessantly referring to 'these people' as the type that uncritically accept shock-art, Veith reveals his ignorance of the vast amount of art criticism written on such works and the wide verity of responses given. He might be surprised at what he finds. Such errors and offenses caused by Veith's concealed anger are common in this book.
2) Because Veith is not adequately familiar with art criticism, philosophy of art, nor modern and contemporary art history, his account of art world practices is embarrassingly bizarre.
Apparently, in minimalist art, "the concept claims precedence over artfulness. Technical execution and crafting of an object becomes less important than having a clever idea. The urinal installed on a museum wall, Warhol's Brillo boxes, the signed bicycle wheel -such pieces show no artistic qualities, nor do they intend to. They may be humorous, or clever, or suggestive of the nature of contemporary culture, but they can hardly be considered good art. To judge them so, ironically, is to miss the artist's point and fail to see the joke." (p. 51)
One not need to be familiar with the works, artists, and movements Veith attempts to explain in these awkward statements, but it is important to recognize that he has conflated artworks ranging over a seventy year period, on two continents, in three different historical contexts. Yet Veith sees them all as having a single covert, unified, devious purpose. One wonders how such artists and movements collaborated under such spacio-temporal restrictions. Rather, it would be more helpful to consult any dictionary of art or art history text to find a more reliable diagnosis than Veith has provided.
3) Because Veith is more interested in writing a polemic against (his perception of) the art world than sensitively engaging with art, he inadvertently contradicts himself in different places.
"Minimalism-finding the least possible gesture to constitute a work of art -has been fashionable in modern art, but such a movement is negligible aesthetically. The more a form is pared down, the less there is to evaluate." (p. 50) Yet Veith has no trouble evaluating and praising the aesthetic merits of work that is itself minimalist (p. 185 and 189). This is because, no doubt, the makers of the work are Christians. This aesthetic duplicity in Veith is unfortunate. The real criterion being used in his "aesthetic judgment" is the theology of the artist, which begs the question of understanding art from a Christian point of view.
These criticism of "State of the Arts" are strong, but apt in my estimation. I urge those who seek engagement with art to do so under the guidance of either Hans Rookmaaker or Leland Ryken who have more expertise in art criticism while maintaining a strong evangelical faith. As one who attempts to integrate education in theology with training in fine art, I've found them both to be most helpful and worthy of consultation.
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Title: Reading Between the Lines: A Christian Approach to Literature (Turning Point Christian Worldview) by Gene Edward, Jr. Veith ISBN: 0891075828 Publisher: Crossway Books Pub. Date: October, 1990 List Price(USD): $15.99 |
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Title: Imagine: A Vision for Christians in the Arts by Steve Turner ISBN: 0830822917 Publisher: Intervarsity Press Pub. Date: May, 2001 List Price(USD): $11.00 |
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Title: Postmodern Times: A Christian Guide to Contemporary Thought and Culture (Turning Point Christian Worldview) by Gene Edward, Jr. Veith, Gene Edward Veith Jr. ISBN: 0891077685 Publisher: Crossway Books Pub. Date: February, 1994 List Price(USD): $15.99 |
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Title: Visual Faith: Art, Theology, and Worship in Dialogue (Engaging Culture) by William A. Dyrness ISBN: 0801022975 Publisher: Baker Book House Pub. Date: November, 2001 List Price(USD): $21.99 |
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Title: Art and the Bible by Francis A. Schaeffer ISBN: 0877844437 Publisher: Intervarsity Press Pub. Date: June, 1973 List Price(USD): $7.00 |
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