My interest in this was piqued after watching the documentary Exit Through The Gift Shop.
Exit through the Gift Shop
Basically this is a documentary is about the emergence of Stencil art and Street Art. It has a disappointing storyline that sees some remarkable work on display in the early periods of the genre and the film reaches its conclusion in the mass-produced mimicry of My Brainwash.
Street art is a form of expression that raises many questions. On the one hand its legitimacy is doubted by some and the use of public and private spaces to display their work is often labelled vandalism. On the other hand it’s defiance and deviance lends voice to opinions and questions that may be censored by the mainstream. Following on from the tradition that was set in Niebuhr’s Christ and Culture – restated recently by Carson in a book of the same name – culture is to be accepted, rejected and subverted though the lens of Scripture, I’m interested the role of art subverting cultural symbols for the cause gospel.
The truly amazing work in the film was by UK-based artist, Banksy. I found many of his images confronting and at times compelling. His ability to project questions and critique provide a critique of current trends from consumerism to land rights was inspiring. But this got me thinking; where have I seen attempts by Christian’s to bring their artistic skills to the difficult task of cultural subversion?
Maid by Banksy
Two Girls Banksy
- Balloon Banksy
Religious symbolism has been used to reinforce an ethnic identity – I’m thinking here of the contemporary portrayal of catholic icons and symbols among Latinos and Italians. Of course there are alternate expression of this catholic imagery where the images are broken down in an attempts to state a new, often contradictory, meaning.
Jesus and a Shotgun
The Blessed Angelina Jolie and Children
Neither of these uses promote the gospel at its core, though I may wrong. A closer example may be the popular screen print created by HHCL and Partners, and advertising agency commissioned by the Churches Advertising Network as part of a national campaign leading up to easter. 2004.”Meek. Mild. As If. Discover the Real Jesus. Easter. April 4″ - Set in red and black it’s Ché Guevara similarities are clear. The agonised face, with needle like thorns crowning it make a clear statement that his is a different order of politics. The image connects with those who are post-consumerist – though the socialism of Ché may not be wholly received – and yet presents a challenging view of what a leader may look like. Most importantly it brings into question the viewer’s understanding of who Jesus is. When the affairs of this world are brought into question Jesus may stand out as a credible alternative to this audience.
Meek. Mild. As if.
Che Guevara by Korba
And so I’m left pondering how could I use my gifts and encourage others to bring about Christ exalting subversive.
How might and artist comment on issues within the church: free-will vs. sovereignty dialogue? Current controversy surrounding the meaning and implication of the atonement? The lifestyle of progressive sanctification? The encouragement and hindrances to personal evangelism?
What can we present to the world about family life, work, sex, sport, built environment, family planning, holidays?
I guess one way of clarifying what to say is to find those things that are to be accepted outright, those to be wholly rejected, and – importantly – what has a common connection and is ripe for intelligent subversion.