Day #18 - Art for Lent: Awst & Walther's "Temptation" #Lent2016

ART + RELIGION
By Aaron Rosen

"Temptation" (2008) by Awst & Walther | Wales and Germany. Sculpture, plaster and gold leaf, 7 7/8 x 3 7/8 x 3 1/8 in.

The husband and wife team Manon Awst and Benjamin Walther are known for both their performance pieces and sculpture. According to the artists, they were drawn to the 'ambivalence surrounding the apple, [which] represents an act of corruption, the fall from grace, but also the beginning of civilisation and the birth of love.' Which is the greater temptation, they seem to ask, lust or violence? Are the two connected? And how do we gild and glamorize them both? [page 149]

Lent is the annual Christian preparation for Easter. "Today's Art for Lent2016" features artworks that illustrate the Christian "Battle between Carnival and Lent."