RELIGIOUS ART | NEWS OF WEEK

ALPHA OMEGA ARTS 
By TAHLIB

Inspired by Buddhist principles, an exhibition of new works by Takashi Murakami opened in Los Angeles this week just as notions of "impermanence" were shaping human experiences from North Korea to Boston.  There are three basic tenets of Buddhism: (1) nothing is fixed or permanent; (2) actions have consequences; and (3) change is possible. Unlike Hindu and Abrahamic traditions, it does not include the idea of worshipping a creator God; but its goal of reaching "Enlightenment" or "Buddhahood" where an individual (Arhat: Saint) sees the nature of reality absolutely clearly, and lives fully in accordance with that vision is consistent with other religions. My exploration of world religions through art makes Takashi Murakami's "Arhat" series (above), my NEWS OF WEEK.

In other religious art news from across the USA, and around the world:

• Buddhism in Art: Phalluses — adorn many houses in the happy nation of Bhutan. [More News]
• Christianity in Art: Pope Benedict portrait created from unlubricated condoms. [More News]
• Hinduism in Art: University of Richmond Museums showcase their collection. [More News]
• Islam in Art: Sikh Fortress Turban at British Museum in Birmingham, England. [More News]
• Judaism in Art: Independence Day and the Biblical blue of the Israeli flag. [More News]

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