One might not expect to see ancient Christian iconography and art coming from predominantly non-Christian countries, but that’s just part of the charm and surprise coming from a brand new exhibit at Singapore’s Asian Civilisations Museum. The show has devoted itself to displaying a wide variety of stunning examples of Christian art across hundreds of years in Asia — whether the artists completing the pieces in question were Christian or not.
While many of the pieces on display in this exhibition reflect Christian beliefs and influences, the majority of the artists and cultures contributing to the artworks did not hold Christian beliefs. This reflects the culture of Asian art, itself, and how practitioners of it absorbed influences so readily. One can even say that Asian art is important in how it examines and highlights different belief systems throughout the ages. Though artists and the countries they’re from didn’t necessarily share Christian beliefs and ideas with those practitioners of the religion, they experimented with the images and works in their own art, reshaping an understanding of the belief system. In that vein, one organizer of this exhibit describes it as a celebration of the genius that can emerge from the cross-pollination of one culture to another. The works themselves are exquisite shows of craftsmanship, reflecting the fact that art doesn’t have to belong wholly to one culture or another to be valuable and beautiful.
One of the pieces, a casket thought to contain relics of a Christian saint, was constructed in India. Richly inlaid with cutouts and tiny details, the only links it has to Christianity is its contents and the shape of the covering — angles reflective of architecture on the roofs of Christian places of worship.
Another piece, crafted in Sri Lanka, shows the Virgin Mary holding the baby Jesus. Crafted entirely in ivory, the visible texture looking more like wood, rosy and veined, it is the largest such statue of its kind. It contains painstaking detail, the Virgin’s robes flowing in pleats around her, a crown atop her head, and Jesus depicted as a tiny baby, upright and holding Christian iconography. The Virgin is perched on a tall pedestal, reflecting the importance of her status.
A metal candlestick made in Syria is another interesting piece in this collection. Lovingly etched into the metal are Christian scenes mixed with Islamic art, which depict zodiac signs and animals. This is particularly reflective of two cultures coming together to create beautiful art.
Art is a reflection of culture, and there’s no better way to learn than to take an art class. Visit SGArtClass.com today to browse an extensive list of art classes you can enroll in. From sculpture to oil painting, there is sure to be a class that will interest you — and a professional teacher to help you complete projects you’re most passionate about.
To read more about the exhibit on Christian Asian art, go to http://www.themalaymailonline.com/features/article/singapore-museums-christianity-in-asia-exhibition-a-first-of-its-kind.