The epitome of Mormon Art was the giant mural of the figure skater on the side of the Penis Palace (church HQ building) during the Utah Winter Olympics.
I suppose that you're speaking metaphorically regarding the 'hole'.
I'm not doubting that such 'holes' in one's life can become apparent and taken into account, but I don't think expressions of talent are dependent on their existence.
Unless you want to say that the hole is where the volcano of talent erupted. I don't think all artist are trying to plug existential holes.
To be a good artist, you need to be able to imagine and make mistakes, to be free to create whatever is inside of you, good and bad. Mormonism says you will be held accountable for every thought and makes you lie to yourself as a way to communicate with God. That's what made me go inactive before I ever learned the truth.
Salt lake had lots of good artists in the early 20th century. A good place to see much of it is at the Huntsman and University hospital. Many old paintings of historic Utah have been donated and hang on the walls.
As for abstract expressionism. this leans to heavily in deconstructionism, Mormondom is systemetically organized in a rational and harmonious way. The artists, architects, and writers try to represent things structured in classical designs. To find abstract ideas or works of art this would be the work of radicals, the progressives, those who think on the left.
How could Abstract Expressionism even be a thing among mormons?
There's not even ONE good art museum in SLC!! A city of millions and the only excuse for an art museum is the U of U one?
Perhaps the lack of good art museums reflects more on the lack of philanthropy among SLC's uber-rich. The cult wins and everyone else has to do without. Typical.
I was formally trained in both studio art and art history during my undergraduate days. My degree is in studio art.
The Mormon "art" that I've seen, particularly the art hanging in ward houses and temples, is complete kitsch, hardly worthy of comment. It's more along the lines of illustration, and not particularly good illustration. I'm not sure why Mormonism has not produced any great artists, on a par with Catholicism, but it may be the relatively small number of believers along with the relatively short history of the church.
BYU does not allow nudity of their models in art classes, which is the standard in our country. I would consider that a sub-par art education.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/20/2020 06:54PM by summer.
summer Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > BYU does not allow nudity of their models in art classes, which is the standard in our country. I would consider that a sub-par art education. >
Sub Par alright. Maybe even a boogy- Or worse!
Not only that... It DOESN'T ALLOW thinking, equality, fairness, advancement, honesty, or FUN, in the individual or institution.
Maybe IT'S ASHAMED of the body... so it covers it - just like the mind, and spirit - in such that it is unrecognizable and non usable.
As for abstract mormonism. It's a failed institution. It couldn't pass the muster. Nor even the mustard...
Mormonism attempts to be recognizable to the world but unrecognizable to his adherents.
It clearly fails in both attempts. The LDS don't recognize it, and would follow about anyone or anything, and it is invisible, even if UGLY, to (former members, and) the rest of the world.
Your art degrees make me like you even more, summer. I actually graduated BYU with a degree in art, and, Spanish. I learned a lot, but in later years I came to see how much more sophisticated programs at other universities were. And our figure drawing models had to wear bathing suits. But of course no good Mormon would paint a nude haha, so that was as it should be.
I had a painting stolen from the student art exhibit in the Harris Fine Arts building. what? You don't expect that at the Lord's University. I always wished I would walk into somebody's house and there it would be. Not on the level of a kidnapped child obviously, but still . . .
I never understood art though until I found myself bored at the Louvre (yes you read that right) and I found a Van Gogh exhibit very close to there at the time by accident. 1973 on tour with Folk Dancers. Changed my life forever. You have to see the paint. Before that I thought the Sunflowers were dumb. It was an "aha" moment on par with when I realized the church was a fraud.
You have to see the thick paint in life, not just the image.
Was that at the Musee Du Jeu Paume? It's huge, and it's part of the Louvre family, but that's where they keep most of the Impressionism and you could "stumble" into it.
Could have been I don't remember...so long ago. It wasn't a long walk from the Louvre and it was two story. I don't even know how I managed to leave. Just walked in and wasn't a lot of people. I guess I was still righteous enough to receive that kind of blessing.
Nowadays you want to see a Van Gogh you stand in line for hours with a ticket you got six months ago.
Done & Done, I can relate to the thick paint! That was my preferred painting style in my youth. I use to ruefully tell myself that I should learn how to paint with thin layers instead. Van Gogh's thick paint likely keeps the art conservators busy, since it's prone to cracking.
I'm mulling over going back to art school when I retire -- a specialized art institute.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/23/2020 03:12PM by summer.
Summer, I would agree with you. I was, however, talking about artists in general in Utah rather than just Mormon artists. Those serious about living off their art generally have to do so through galleries outside the state.
For some time before I left England I worked close to the National Gallery in London. Often I would visit there in my lunch time to enjoy the works on display. They have a Van Gogh Sunflowers there that is quite stunning in its simplicity. I k now little about the "mechanics" of art but its glow (not sure how else to describe it) literally leaps off the canvas.
Cauda Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Where are the paintings and all the art? Did the > church hide all their art work from the 50s and > 60s? It is sad how these beautiful works of art both then and now have been cast aside from beautifying Mormon buildings. If you want to kill a society first destroy its' cultural things in art and music. Since 2003 when I first aquired PS7 I have been engrossed with the vast scope of applications it can be used for in modifying imagery. I still use it to create the landscape images I capture photographically. Some of these would make great spiritual additions to ward buildings but like the other things that have driven me away, excluding art work like this, is just another nail in the coffin!!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/23/2020 06:37PM by thedesertrat1.
They just do Pop Art. (Mom Art is really out) ¡~°¤■▪︎□○•○●`☆* Maybe too Far Out-
TOO MUCH ROOM for certain*manhood-rule, orchestrated alter egos, and power over the people, in unnatural and immoral ways (without real trust or faith in collaboration), FALSE, doctored, and 'erased' histories/ historical narratives/ stories/ superstitions, misinerpretation, and misinformed members and TOO LITTLE ROOM for creativity, imagination, taste, feel, or even thought or desire for real art, literature, music, food, architecture, decor, spirit, or inclusive community.
In Other Words, MORMONISM IS DEAD. - It's the only way it'll work - Always Has Been, always will be