True Art: Reflecting God’s Creation

In my post "Modern art: an image of chance" I addressed the issue of modern art, and how it is an image of a hopeless and discouraging world through the eyes of an nonbeliever. In this post, I would like to give you an idea of how art can be instead a beautiful, intricate, and refreshing talent.

What you see is what you get

First of all, what does it make you think of when you behold a crystal clear painting of a beautiful scenic setting, or a life-like portrait of a person? Maybe it causes you to marvel at God’s creation in the picture, or His excellent talent displayed through the painter’s abilities. Whatever is crossing your mind as you enjoy paintings and drawings of the olden days, I can assure you of one thing; there is a good chance you will not be confused as to the theme or surety of that piece of artwork. What you are beholding is the whole picture; you need not squint or spend time trying to read into a broken character’s blank expression.

Reflecting a feeling

This is mainly what sets modern art apart from classical art. What you see in a painting is what the artist is feeling; and that’s why many paintings today seem depressing, broken, and dark. Christianity has, over time, worked it’s way out of art. As artists began to depict ideas of new and depressing atheistic ways in their portraits, our culture has accepted this new worldview and style as “art”, and this is a very sad change to see.

Where is the depth in a naked, distorted figure? Where is the hard work and determined skill in a smashed car (Quicktakes: world magazine)? Simply put; there is none! And with the outbreak of a Godless, hopeless influenza has come a fake art: out the window flies all creativity and meaning as we push God out of our talents and creations.

Between Christianity and atheism, you have two worldviews, or visions: one is clear, hopeful, and insightful. The other is dark, confusing, and hopeless. These are the feelings that we are taken by when viewing classical or modern art… and personally, I see much more reason in beholding and pursuing the former.

True Art

Art is not a thing to be rushed. Art is to be taken seriously, carefully, and given plenty of time to be perfected. Quite the opposite of the dashes of paint quickly strewn across canvases today! Art, above all, should be pleasing to the eye. And through presenting God’s wonderful creation as best they can, the Christian artists are doing just that. Not only can paintings of lovely people and landscapes be refreshing and time worthy for all audiences, but it can be a wonderful witness to the glory, majesty, and hope for a reason found in Jesus Christ.

Next time you have the opportunity, stop to ponder just how the broken abstract image in front of you is art… and how it is benefiting your knowledge. You may just cling all the more to the amazing depth and promise found in a relationship with God.

~ Artwork courtesy of Miss Emily Duff