Theatre Review: "Disgraced" - When the Religious Melting Pot Boils Over

THE INDEPENDENT
By Kate Bassett

UNITED KINGDOM---A raw, Pulitzer-winning view of American multicultural tensions crosses the Atlantic in style. Amir had a Muslim surname, but has changed it to Kapoor. He has also fudged whether his parents came from Pakistan or India and spurned his mother's virulent anti-Semitism. Now a dapper New York attorney – more than a decade after 9/11 – he scorns Islam as backward and chauvinist. He finds himself incensed, nonetheless, by colleagues' enquiries about his supposed hidden sympathies in Disgraced.
That's not to mention Isaac, the gallery owner who has taken a shine to Amir's wife, Emily. She's a liberal, Wasp artist who admires and imitates Islamic art for its serenity. She's also pushing her husband to defend a local imam who is at risk of incarceration without due process. American writer Ayad Akhtar's depiction of troubled multiculturalism has been awarded the 2013 Pulitzer Prize for drama. 'Disgraced' runs to June 29. [link]

Image courtesy of The New York Times

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Religious Art on Decline Due to Phobia of Secular Museums and Schools

THE CATHOLIC REGISTER
By Angela Serednicki,

CANADA---Religious artwork is too sentimental for the art world, James Elkins told a Toronto audience May 23. Elkins delivered his lecture, entitled Contemporary Art and Religion: Do they Mix?, at the Art Gallery of Ontario. “Whenever art and religion meet, one wrecks the other,” said the author of "On the Strange Place of Religion in Contemporary Art," who is also a professor of art history at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. He said that secular institutions have a phobia against religion and that’s the reason for the absence of religion in art studios and central texts within postmodern art. Studio artists are taught not to talk about the religious context of their work and students can’t get critiques of religious meanings within their art due to what Elkins calls critic’s fear. [link]

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Ritual Slaughter, Religious Freedom, and Animal Welfare

EUROPEAN PUBLIC AFFAIRS
By Patryk Szambelan

Ritual slaughter, formally called “particular methods of slaughter prescribed by religious rites”, is permitted by EU law. Ritual slaughter is a technique of killing that is used to obtain kosher and halal meat. Such meat must be properly drained of blood, which is done by cutting the throat of a fully conscious animal, keeping it alive until it dies of exsanguination. Contrary to what Jewish and Muslim leaders claim, during the process animals experience desperate panic accompanied by harrowing pain, all in the name of religious dogmatism. Yet, the .... EU is of no help to the cows, goats and sheep, which are unlucky enough to become victims of the barbaric, doctrinally motivated practices. [link]

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Art Review: Book's Photo's of Sufi Shrines Now at NYC's Rubin Museum of Art

THE NEW YORK TIMES
By Holland Carter

Lisa Ross, Black Garden (An Offering), archival pigment print on cotton paper, 2009

NEW YORK---Although the show doesn’t say so, applying the term “art” to these structures can be a problem. The Chinese government, eager to control an oil-rich region and reduce any strain of separatist fervor, has designated the Uyghur shrines as “cultural property,” officially undercutting their religious function and promoting their identity as tourist attractions. But in Ms. Ross’s photographs they remain what they were meant to be: spiritually functional, formally arresting, conscientiously fleeting. And a selection of pictures from the book makes up this small exhibition, organized by Beth Citron, at the Rubin Museum of Art. [link]

Rubin Museum of Art: "Lisa Ross's Living Shrines of Uyghur China" (Ends July 8), 150W. 17th Street, Chelsea - NYC, (212)620-5000 or www.rmanyc.org

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Muslim Lesbian Couple Defy Death Threats to Tie the Knot in Civil Ceremony

BIRMINGHAM MAIL

UNITED KINGDOM---Two former Birmingham students have defied death threats to make legal history by becoming the first Muslim lesbian couple to get married in a civil ceremony in the UK. Rehana Kausar, 34, and Sobia Kamar, 29, from Pakistan, tied the knot at a registration office in front of their solicitors and two Pakistani friends earlier this month. The couple then immediately applied for political asylum in the UK claiming that their lives would be in danger if they were to return to their native Pakistan. According to Pakistani law, same-sex sexual acts are illegal and go against Islamic teachings. [link]

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Artist Rsponds to Newtown Tragedy Through Jewish Carvings

CONNECTICUT POST
By Phyllis A.S. Boros

Above is an example of a Mizrach, which is placed by Jews on eastern walls so they know the direction of Jerusalem.

CONNECTICUT---Overcoming despair and persevering through adversity are issues familiar to Harvey Paris in his role as co-director of Jewish Family Service in Bridgeport. Considered by many as among the finest of modern-day Jewish chip carvers, the Fairfield artist is using his love for this ancient art to raise awareness of "the serious lack of community mental health care" -- spurred by the tragedy in Newtown last December in which 26 children and adults were killed by a gunman who stormed Sandy Hook Elementary School. A selection of 20 contemporary basswood carvings are on display through Sunday, June 30, at Easton Public Library in "Jewish Art in Response to Newtown." [link]

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Movie Preview: "After Earth"

FANDANGO

HOLLYWOOD---People were forced to leave Earth a millennium ago to establish a new home on Nova Prime. Now, Gen. Cypher Raige (Will Smith) heads Nova Prime's most-prominent family. Cypher's teenage son, Kitai (Jaden Smith), feels enormous pressure to follow in his father's legendary footsteps -- which strains their relationship. Cypher and Kitai set out on a trip to mend their bond, but when their craft crashes on Earth's hostile surface, each must trust the other greatly -- or perish. Opened Friday, May 31, 2013. [link]

• Cast: Will Smith, Jaden Smith, Zoe Kravitz, Sophie Okonedo, Lincoln Lewis 
• Director: M. Night Shyamalan 
• Genres: Action/Adventure

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36 Hours in Las Vegas

THE NEW YORK TIMES
By ELAINE GLUSAC

NEVADA---From a tourism perspective, Las Vegas is ever the chameleon. New restaurants, shows, clubs and hotels are constantly reinventing Sin City with the aim of getting repeaters back to the tables. Big construction projects continue, and there are currently two competing Ferris wheels under construction on the Strip. But lately, developments have eschewed kitschy copies of foreign landmarks like an Egyptian pyramid in favor of celebrating Las Vegas’s own swinging style, as indicated by two new downtown museums. Yes, traffic still snarls the Strip, but a new terminal at McCarran International Airport has eased congestion for fliers. [link]

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Taliban Criticize Kabul's Pink Balloons for Peace Art Project

BANGKOK POST

Image courtesy of THE Central Asia's Alternative Music Festival! TURN IT UP!

AFGHANISTAN---The official Taliban website has published an article criticising an art project in which 10,000 pink balloons were given away for free in Kabul, saying the event encouraged un-Islamic behaviour. Under the headline "Was it a balloon show or a mini-skirt show?", the piece said that the conceptual artwork was a trick to promote Western values among the young Afghan volunteers who helped hand out. Called "We Believe In Balloons", it was paid for by individuals and groups around the world sponsoring each balloon for copy. The event's organiser, Yazmany Arboleda, a 31-year-old artist from New York, said the project was designed to highlight young Afghans' creativity and sense of fun in a city wrecked by decades of war. [link]

The day after attacks in Kabul. Courtesy of MySinchew.com

Image courtesy of TOLO NEWS

Flash Mob Art Project Arms Crowds In Kabul With 10,000 Pink Balloons

Image courtesy of Interaskyson

An Afghan volunteer gives a balloon to a resident during "We Believe In Balloons", an art project 

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The Taliban, According to Wikipedia

WIKIPEDIA

A flag used by the Taliban from 1997 to 2001

The Taliban (Pashto: طالبان‎ ṭālibān "students"), alternative spelling Taleban, is an Islamic fundamentalist political movement in Afghanistan. It spread into Afghanistan and formed a government, ruling as the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan from September 1996 until December 2001, with Kandahar as the capital. However, it gained diplomatic recognition from only three states: Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Mohammed Omar has been serving as the spiritual leader of the Taliban since 1994. While in power, it enforced its strict interpretation of Sharia law, and leading Muslims have been highly critical of the Taliban's interpretations of Islamic law. [link]

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Indian Fairy Tales at the World Museum in Liverpool

ART MEDIA AGENCY

UNITED KINGDOM---From 24 May to 8 September 2013, the World Museum, Liverpool, presents an exhibition entitled “Telling Tales: the Art of Indian Storytelling,” centred upon the role of storytelling in Indian art and culture. The exhibition presents pièces by seven Indian artists, exploring the relationship between their creations and the practice of storytelling. Images of Hindu deities are also featured, including Ganesha, the god with an elephant’s head, Krishna, the Hindu god of love, and the goddess Devi. The works have been commissioned and collated by the National Museum in Liverpool and the World Museum over the last five years. [link]

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Buddhist Painting of Joseon Dynasty Returns Home to Korea

THE DONG-A ILBO 

“Buddha Yeongsanhoido” (1592)

KOREA---The Buddhist scripture Beophwagyeong (the Sutra of the Lotus) said, "The path toward Buddha is open to everyone." To spread this lesson, Buddha must have wandered around the world accompanied by Buddhist saints and his disciples. A Buddhist painting from the Joseon Dynasty that was kept overseas has returned home in about 420 years. “Buddha Yeongsanhoido,” a national treasure-grade Buddhist painting created in 1592 (25th year of King Seonjo) of the Joseon Dynasty, was confirmed to have been repatriated to Korea. [link]

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Zhang Huan Explores Human Condition in Canadian Exhibition

FREDERIK MEIJER GARDENS 

"Long Island Buddha" (2010-11) by Zhang Huan. Copper, 67.68 x 89.37 x 69.68 inches.

CANADA---Chinese artist Zhang Huan (b. 1965) is among the most prodigious and insightful artists working today. As a sculptor, painter, photographer, performance and installation artist, his impact in broadening the global dimensions of contemporary art has been immense. Themes of physical endurance and spiritual tranquility, Chinese history and heritage, and an interest in and reverence for Buddhism inform his repertoire. This exhibition explores the world of Zhang Huan both thematically and artistically. While works of sculpture are central to this presentation, including his iconic copper and steel Long Island Buddha, several of the artist’s paintings and photographs will also be featured.  [link]

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Orchestra Melds Color & Inferfaith Swirl In A Real Rite Of Spring

NPR MUSIC
By Anastasia Tsioulcas

NORTH CAROLINA---One of the most brilliant and exciting commemorations of the 100th anniversary of Igor Stravinsky's "Rite of Spring" is a new work that references the Russian composer's music — but in an entirely new cultural framework. It's a pairing of film and music called Radhe, Radhe: Rites of Holi. Created by two Indian-American artists, pianist and composer Vijay Iyer and filmmaker Prashant Bhargava, and played by Iyer and members of the International Contemporary Ensemble (ICE), Radhe Radhe transports Stravinsky's semi-mythological tale of mysterious primordial Russian rituals with an actual religious festival that takes place each spring: the Hindu festival of Holi.  [link]


RADHE RADHE: RITES OF HOLI from Khushi Films on Vimeo.

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A&O Prize: Invitational for Hoosier Poets

ALPHA OMEGA ARTS
By Greg Disney-Britton

For the first time ever, Alpha & Omega Project for Contemporary Religious Arts is planning to honor three poets for their explorations of the "Risks of Religion." This honor is limited to Indiana-based poets only. We will announce the selected poets on or before October 31, 2013. Our "three" featured poets will each receive a $50 honorarium, and have the chance to sell their products on A&O Prize Night: Saturday, November at 2:00 p.m., as part of the Spirit & Place Festival week. The poest may also choose to be featured on this blog; and their performances posted to our You-Tube channel. Finalists will be notified in September.

To make a nomination, please email the following information to Pastor Jackie Jackson, at "Board(at)AlphaOmegaArts.org", and include in your nomination:

1. Paragraph about the poets experience relating to the "risks of religious interaction".
2. Paragraph about how they use, or do not use religion to overcome life challenges.
3. Attach a 2-3 page CV or artist resume detailing their performance experience.
4. Also include sample poems about their engagement with religion--positive, negative or neutral.  Video submissions via a You-tube link are accepted and encouraged.

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Holyday Art: Ascension of Bahá'u'lláh, for the Bahá'í

ALPHA OMEGA ARTS
By TAHLIB

"Pen of the Creator" by Rezkanoo. Image courtesy of Tumblr

Today is the Holyday of the Ascension of Baha'u'llah -- as it is called by Baha'is. It is a Holy Day for six million people in 192 countries and territories which commemorates the anniversary of the death in 1892 of the founder of the Bahá'í faith, Bahá'u'lláh. His burial shrine is in Isreal, surrounded by gardens designed to symbolise the future ordering of the world. This solemn anniversary is a day of rest, and is often observed by reading or chanting from the scriptures. For more on Baha'is art & design, follow on Tumblr

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The Single-Minded Buddhist Lotus Artist: Lai Thanh Dung

TUOI TRE NEWS

A lotus painting titled "Nostalgia"

VIETNAM---Young artist Lai Thanh Dung, whose lotus paintings were displayed during last week’s celebrations of the Buddha’s birth in central Hue city, has dedicated all his time to his great passion: depicting the beauty of lotuses. Graduating from the Hue Arts University in 2006, Dung, 31, from northern-central Quang Binh province, works as a freelance artist in Hue, one of the country’s fine arts hubs. Not drawn to contemporary art forms such as installation or video art, he has single-mindedly pursued his sole subject matter - lotuses. He earned his nickname ‘Lotus Dung’ after his first exhibit featuring a whole world of lotuses, which stand for loftiness and purity in Vietnamese culture. [link]

Another lotus painting titled "Autumn End"

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Digital Reincarnation for Dunhuang's Buddhist Art

TIMES LIVE

Inching their cameras along a rail inside the chamber, specialists use powerful flashes to light up paintings.

CHINA---One click after another illuminates colourful scenes of hunters, Buddhas, flying deities, Bodhisattvas and caravanserais painted on the walls of the Mogao caves in northwest China, considered the epitome of Buddhist art -- and now in existential danger. From the fourth century onwards the 492 largely hand-dug caves near Dunhuang, a desert oasis and crossroads on the Silk Road, acted as a depository for Buddhist art for around a millennium. Unesco describes the World Heritage Site as "the largest, most richly endowed, and longest used treasure house of Buddhist art in the world". The digitisation project -- which has been running for decades. It is an immense task. [link]

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Video: Hasid & Hipster – Unite The Beards

RELIGION NEWS SERVICE
By Sally Morrow

NEW YORK---The Lubavitcher movement released a “Unite the Beards” video, inviting hipsters and Hasidim alike to come together in Brooklyn, N.Y. [link]

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Secular Funerals--Atheist Claims Need for Ritual

THE EUROPEAN 
By Nigel Warburton

Secular funerals, for all their sincerity, individuality, and mixture of celebration and mourning, lack something. Not spirituality of course, nor hope for the future: in this context realism should prevail over comforting illusion. What is missing is the power of ritual repetition. For whatever reason, this is something that most secularists have shunned. The emphasis on unique events tailored to reflect individual lives comes at a price. For those who believe, hearing the words of Thomas has a cumulative effect over a lifetime. Ritual may or may not involve superstition, but it touches something deep in our psyches and it shouldn’t be the exclusive preserve of the religious. [link]

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Secret Histories: Sex Lives of the Renaissance Religious Artists

THE GUARDIAN
By Jonathon Jones

Titian cavorted with his models, Raphael died of sexual excess, Leonardo ran into trouble with the Florentine sex police … We delve into the passionate private lives of art's great masters and see just how raw and radical the Renaissance really was. For more, see Jonathan Jones's book "The Loves of the Artists". [link]

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Christian Artists Work From a Deep Place of Faith, A Place of Engagement With the Creator

FAITH AND LEADERSHIP
Commentary by Bruce Herman

"Second Adam" by Bruce Herman

MASSACHUSETTS---There’s no such thing as Christian art per se. It’s normal for Christians to produce art. I don’t even accept the category “Christian art.” There’s just art. Art by Christians, art by non-Christians. In one sense, I’ve thrown my lot with people like William Blake, who once said, “Everything is holy.” There is no sacred and secular divide. Everything is sacred, everything from a wildflower to the cosmic level of looking at the Crab or the Eagle Nebula -- and everything in between. Artists who have a deep Christian faith actually have an advantage, I think, over people who don’t believe in God. Because -- theoretically anyway -- if they love God, they’ll be paying closer attention to what God has made. [link]

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Something Happened on the Way to Bountiful: Everyone Sang Along

THE NEW YORK TIMES
By William Grimes

Cicely Tyson’s rousing “Blessed Assurance” in the Broadway revival of
"The Trip to Bountiful" has Condola Rashad, left, and others joining in.

BROADWAY---Not long after the curtain rises on the second act of “The Trip to Bountiful,” the Broadway revival of the Horton Foote play at the Stephen Sondheim Theater, something unusual happens. Cicely Tyson, as Mrs. Carrie Watts, sits on a bus station bench in a small Texas town. Overcome with emotion, she begins singing an old Protestant hymn, “Blessed Assurance.” From the first note, there’s a palpable stirring among many of the black patrons in the audience, which the play, with its all-black cast, draws in large numbers. The singalong, too, struck black audience members as unremarkable. Thrilling but unexpected. [link]

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'Rome's Jewish Robert Langdon' Spends His Days Decoding Vatican Masterpieces

THE NATIONAL POST
By Jen Gerson

The first religious Jew to be authorized by the Vatican to act as a docent in Catholic museums, bestselling author Roy Doliner's life seems like it could be taken directly from a Dan Brown novel. A playwright and the author of four books, the most recent of which The Sistine Secrets: Michelangelo's Forbidden Messages in the Heart of the Vatican, is slated to become a Discovery Channel documentary. His findings caused a stir in the church: he said he found signs in the works of Michelangelo that suggest the famous Renaissance painter had studied Jewish wisdom literature - such as the Kabbalah - and hid symbols in his paintings. [link]

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