Visual Arts and Liturgy
Convener
Mark Joseph Costello
3407 South Archer Avenue
Chicago, IL 60608
mjcoste@yahoo.com
Mission Statement
Noting the historical bonding between visual art and worship, the Visual Art and Liturgy Seminar seeks to promote research and discussion regarding the current use the visual arts within the worship setting. The significance of the presence or absence of the visual arts is examined by looking at specific ritual centers and objects. The group will also focus on the socio-liturgical context with its effect on the creation and reception of art used in worship.
2010 Academy Meeting Agenda
The Seminar will focus primarily on Cross and Cross imagery.
- One session will be devoted to participants contributing short communications responding to the previous year’s topic on liturgical vessels, namely cups and chalices.
- Carol Frenning: Presentation on Cross Imagery
- James Hadley: Crucifix as Icon of the East?
- Mark Joseph Costello: 16th Century Hospital Imagery Juxtaposed with Impulses for Today, a paper/presentation on the Isenheim Altarpiece with reflections on contemporary sensibilities
- Additional presentations on topic from a number of perspectives will follow.
- Participants are also invited to submit 3-5 digital images of work related to cross and Cross Imagery. Participants may draw from their own designs, or a piece significant to their work/study experience. Discussion of these examples in light of the other presentations will form one seminar session.
2009 Academy Meeting Agenda
The Seminar will focus primarily on Liturgical Vessels and their accompanying imagery/references.
A paper on the theology and design of communion cups referencing the Walters Collection will be presented.
Additional presentations on the topic from a number of perspectives will follow.
A presentation on the new Catholic Co-cathedral in Houston will also be presented.
Participants are invited to submit 3-5 digital images of work related to the topic. Participants may draw from their own designs, or a piece significant to their work/study experience. Discussion of these examples in light of the other presentations will form one seminar session.
The seminar will also tour the Walters Art Museum, focusing on liturgical objects.
2008 Academy Meeting Agenda
The Word
- Mark Joseph Costello, “Historical Precedence in Ambo Design and Imagery: Applications For Today?”
- Johan van Parys, “Word and Ritual Use: Imagery, Place and Action in the Liturgical Setting.” Processions, enthronement and other rituals surrounding proclamation and the placement of the Word, including an overview of the historic, theological and pastoral issues embedded in the visual arts and design, will be explored.
- Carol Frenning. “Visual images of The Word: The St. John’s Bible.” Images are traditionally found accompanying texts in the Bible. The use of the visual images was integral to the conception and production of the St. John’s Bible. This presentation will explore the process of selecting images or stories to illustrate and the role of various artists in executing them.
- Participants are invited to submit 3-5 digital images of work related to the Word and place for the Word. Participants may draw from their own designs, or a piece significant to your work/study experience. Discussion of these examples in light of the other presentations will form one session during our meeting together in Savannah.
Number of participants: 18-20
Papers
A list of papers developed by members from this seminar will appear here
Previous Seminar Reports
See seminar reports from annual meetings dating back to 2004: