Print this page
|
Guild of Parish Artists Home
Print this page
|
Guild of Parish Artists Home
What Is Liturgical/Worship Art?
Liturgical art is
worship art --the terms are synonymous.
Simply put, it is any art
that supports and encourages the act of worship. Liturgical art is not a singular medium. It is more an
issue of context than a given technique. Any art can be liturgical art if it is
used in the context of worship. The critical thing to remember is that by
definition liturgical art is functional art—art with a purpose. Therefore the
definition of good liturgical art is not the same as good fine art. In addition
to aesthetic qualities, liturgical art must also be assessed on how successfully
it facilitates or enriches worship. The primary purpose of liturgical art
is to invite the participation of all present in the act of worship.
This
contextual setting means that Liturgical art is not only dependant upon worship,
but worship in a given place and time. What may be good liturgical art in one
congregation may not be in another. What worked once, may not be as effective
the next time. This means that good liturgical art develops out of a knowledge
of the congregation.
Liturgical art may encourage participation, actively and reflectively, by orienting the worshipper’s focus, stating a theme, creating an atmosphere or mood, or encouraging a response or action. The creator of the art must be mindful of the way the congregation worship and how the art will be included in that worship. It is helpful if the liturgical artist has a sound understanding of liturgy, at least in the form it exists in the local congregation.
Generally, liturgical art can be divided into two categories, visual and performance. Performance liturgical art includes such things as dance, drama, music, even the acts and process of worship. They are performance in as much as they are actions taking place within the context of worship. They are not performance in the sense that there is a performer and an audience. Good liturgical art includes everyone present and facilitates their participation.
Visual
liturgical art is artwork that has been prepared ahead of time for use in the
worship space. They may be permanent parts of the worship space (such as
stained glass windows or a permanent wall cross) or temporary (such as banners
or seasonal decorations and arrangements). While this art work may be produced
outside of worship and may even include items purchased from non-religious
sources, the criteria is the same. It must facilitate the worship in which it
exists. Its goal is not simply to beautify, inform, or intrigue (as worthy as
these are), but also to converse, include, and reflect. One must ask the
question, “did it encourage those present to enter more fully into the worship
of God?” Because liturgical art invites participation from the congregation,
the most effective liturgical art often comes from those within the
congregation.
The Guild of Parish Artists focuses primarily on visual liturgical art. For help in other areas of liturgical art, you may wish to link to the following sites:
West Michigan Fellowship (music)
Proverbial Fools (drama and movement)
Basic design principles for liturgical art:
It shouldn’t be trite or contrived - the definition of this will depend upon the congregation to a degree, but the artwork should always be as authentic as possible. Use real elements whenever possible.
It should have an inherent dignity and integrity - liturgical art speaks of God and our attitude toward God. Liturgical art should not try to trick or deceive the worshipper.
It should always be the best the congregation can offer - always offering the best makes a statement about the value we place on our worship of God. This is true in the cleanliness and order of the worship space as well as the art. Offering the best is a discipline of devotion that reminds us that we are called to offer our best to God not only in worship, but all life. It is important though to understand this principle as a challenge not a mandate. Different congregations have different talent and financial resources.
It should grow out of worship - liturgical art supports worship, thus it should grow out of the act of worship. It should exist in close relationship to the worship in which it exists. The visual artwork should relate directly to the act of worship in theme and content. When this is not true, the risk is present that the artwork will fail in purpose and distract the worshipper from the work of worship.
Make it proportional to the space - larger worship spaces require art that is larger. As one designs and implements a piece of liturgical art, keep the size of the worship space in mind and if possible periodically take the art in to the worship space to see it is the proper size.
for help on specific art themes or techniques, consult the Guild's resource page.