Art and Soul: Signposts for Christians in the Arts

Rating:
Summary: True signposts for Christians in the arts
Review: In ART AND SOUL, Hilary Brand and Adrienne Chaplin explore the full spectrum of issues and concerns that face a Christian who is interested in working within any of the creative arts. They address questions ranging from postmodern assumptions about art through the very practical issue of who might (or should) support the artist in his/her work. This book seeks to explain why and how the arts impact the audience, and even if a reader may disagree with some of the authors' conclusions, the very fact that they have attempted to find purpose and meaning in the arts
distinguishes this book from the multitude of contemporary aesthetic theories which tend to emphasize the utter subjectivity and "meaninglessness" of works of art. To support their discussion, Brand and Chaplin provide abundant examples of artistic works, including references to literature, music, and (especially) the visual arts. While some of these examples derive from the long history of the Christian church's interaction with the arts, most are current, involving the work of living artists in the news (such as the recent "Sensation" exhibit that created turmoil in Brooklyn)--and some whose work has undeservingly remained unknown. In addition, the authors cite numerous artists' views on the arts, as well as contemporary theorists such as Nicholas Wolterstorff and Calvin Seerveld. ART AND SOUL is by far the most comprehensive and most knowledgable study of the issues faced by Christians entering the arts. It is also quite accessible, with clearly defined terminology so that even a
nonartist could follow the discussion without hesitation. Furthermore, because Brand and Chaplin have so thoroughly addressed the issues facing today's artists, this book would be a useful study for anyone seeking a better understanding of these questions. I enthusiastically recommend ART AND SOUL for anyone who seeks a greater understanding of the contemporary arts, the issues facing the arts, and the ways in which Christians can integrate the arts within their life (as well as integrating
their life & faith into their art).