David L. Coppola, Ph.D., director of conferences and publications of the Center for Christian-Jewish Understanding, took the members of his “Christian-Jewish Relations in Contemporary Church Teachings” class to the Aldrich Museum of Contemporary Art, Ridgefield, Connecticut (aldrichart.org). The exhibit, “Faith: The Impact of Judeo-Christian Religion on Art at the Millennium,” was on display from January 23 to May 29, 2000. 

The exhibit featured contemporary art influenced by Judaism and Christianity, and traced the history of Western art through the centuries within Jewish and Christian images, architecture and philosophies. The connection between art and religion, which many would argue is inherent, is rarely mentioned in the art world today. Even so, many contemporary artists are creating work that is directly linked to their faiths or religious backgrounds. 

Patricia Barratt, the Aldrich Museum's coordinator of educational programs and a docent, said, “This show provides a contemporary forum on art and religion, two venerable and vital traditions on how to celebrate human meaning.” 
Dr. Coppola described the exhibit as one that “witnesses to the fact that Judaism and Christianity have never been without imagination and dreams which can inspire people.” He continued, “For thousands of years, art and religion have asked questions that seek to understand the truth of who we are and what our purpose and destiny are in the cosmos. Both attempt to express as clearly as possible what is often inexpressible, unknowable mystery. Nonetheless, the human spirit is restless and continues to wrestle with these critical questions. This exhibit attempts to expand the boundaries of contemporary art to include dialogue about faith and the influence of faith in the framing of human meaning.” 

A full range of media from both emerging and established artists was displayed at the show. One piece, “Letter Liturgy (For Leon), ” by Diane Samuels, displayed text embroidered on cloth pages of a book that read, “Dear God, I do not know how to pray, but I can recite the alphabet. Please accept my letters and form them into prayers.” These words, which were previously recorded by children and adults of all ages and cultures, are heard over and over while one is viewing this piece.  

Another display called “The Requiem Series,” by Barbara Broughel, symbolically portrays those people who were killed in the late 17th century witch trials in America. Each of the victims is symbolized by a household item (such as a broom or pot handle), and distinguishing materials define the job or character trait of the victim, or the way he or she perished. 

Other themes such as the relationship of religion to cosmology, reason, learning, life cycles, sacrifice, prayer, values, symbols, ethics, worship space, hospitality, and community were investigated. Darker topics such as religion and political corruption, violence, censorship and oppression were also explored. One artist portrayed the oppression in Latin America, for example, by sculpting a man's head with pins in his tongue. Another artist questioned why religion has seemingly glorified the violence and shedding of blood by men, whereas historically, women during menstruation have been locked away and shunned by religious proscriptions. 

One of the Sacred Heart University students, Rosemary Bedosky, said, “This art exhibit was extremely interesting, especially concerning the role of women in the Church and society. It was realistic and powerful, and I appreciated the opportunity to see faith and religion through the eyes of the artists. It challenged me to re-look at history. The tour ended too quickly.” 

Another student, Nathan Gonyea, commented, “There was a tone of respect as if we were in a synagogue or church. It was clear that this was more than an art exhibit. We experienced meaningful messages by artists who were struggling with the deeper meanings of faith and religion.”  

Those interested in taking courses in Religious Studies should call , dean of undergraduate admissions, at 203-371-7880; Linda Kirby, dean of graduate admissions, at 203-371-7882 or the CCJU at 203-365-7592. The Master of Arts in Religious Studies degree requires 33 hours of course work (11 three-hour courses) and a comprehensive examination or master's thesis.

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