New exhibition at Z33 in Hasselt explores relationship between art and faith
A new exhibition at the Z33 art centre in Hasselt explores the connection between art and faith. A Leap into the Unknown, featuring 18 contemporary artists, opened on Sunday.
The long history of art and religion culminates in Z33's showcase that looks at the effects of faith on contemporary art. "Modern Western art carries a religious legacy even if its primary purpose isn’t religious," the art centre says. "The influence of religion is evident in the symbolism of art and the unique status attributed to artworks."
While faith is often linked to religion, for many artists, faith transcends religious confines and focuses on the idea of the unknown. That is a central topic in this exhibition.
The giant sculpture by Peter Buggenhout that greets visitors at the entrance draws from a Biblical painting by Pieter Bruegel the Elder. The work entitled The Blind Leading the Blind #97 questions, "Where do we come from and where are we going?"
Kira Freije's work In Permanence of a Sacred Tongue depicts the human search for affection in the face of an inevitable end. The piece, made of stainless steel, cast aluminium, and cotton, shows a female figure kneeling with her hands half in prayer and half reaching up. The artist argues that the stance could be seen as religious or as an everyday act of extending kindness.
A Leap into the Unknown runs until 25 August.
#FlandersNewsService | Photo ©Belgian Freelance
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