Contemplation and Beauty: sources, techniques, iconography and visual manifestations of liturgical art

Acronym: ContemplArte

Registry number: G20/3-06

School/Centre: HUMANITIES AND COMMUNICATION SCIENCES

UNESCO Code:

Keywords:

Liturgical Art, Iconography

Relevant characteristics of the research group (description of the group's activity):

A full study of the work of art involves considering not only formal aspects but also aspects of meaning, as proposed by iconological studies. Sometimes the contemplation of the pieces in different collections means forgetting the purpose for which they were created, in many cases in direct relation to the liturgy. The use of art work to ennoble and enliven the Christian liturgy dates back to the 4th century and since then there have been many formal variations, although the ultimate meanings have remained unchanged. Today, the contemplation of sacred liturgical art can raise the following questions: Subjectivity or objectivity?; Imagination or abstraction?; Continue or break with tradition?; Rejection or acceptance by the observer?; Knowledge or ignorance of the characters, scenes and ideas portrayed?; What is the value of the symbol in today's culture?; Does contemporary art help to ennoble and enliven the liturgy?; Can we say that sacred/liturgical art contributes to generating culture today?; The interdisciplinary approach of our research will try to address these questions.

Contact: [email protected]