Encountering the Spiritual in Contemporary Art (working title & draft) A Proposed Exhibition for Fall 2017 Leesa K. Fanning, Ph.D., Curator, Contemporary Art
Draft
Sources of Inspiration Artists are inspired by sources, subjects and motifs found in diverse spiritual traditions.
Inspiration
Art Making as Spiritual Process The act of making art is a form of meditation, ritual or spiritual activity.
Art Making as Spiritual Process
The Artist’s Body The artist’s body informs the spiritual meaning of the art and is usually present as a motif.
The Artist’s Body
Materials, Form and Color One or more of these fundamental aspects of art provides the spiritual content.
Materials, Form and Color
Activate—Participate The artist depends on or requires the viewer’s participation The Nelson-Atkins is also creating innovative installations as a fifth theme titled Activate—Participate throughout the museum and planning exciting events for the opening and closing of the exhibition. We highly encourage museum venues to participate in the development of the same or parallel ideas based on each institution’s permanent collection, audience, strengths, desires, needs and interests.
Activate—Participate