RELIGIOUS ART | NEWS OF WEEK

ALPHA OMEGA ARTS
By Gregory & Ernest Disney-Britton
Leonardo da Vinci's (1450–1519) "The Last Supper". Photo: Wikimedia Commons.
In Leonardo da Vinci's famous painting, "The Last Supper," the artist captures the moment when the 12 disciples respond to Christ's accusation that one of them will betray him (John 13:18-30). During the Renaissance, his art changed the way Christians viewed the final days of Christ’s life. Today’s internationally acclaimed artist Shirin Neshat also takes on loaded themes but her’s delve into issues with Islam, including those in her native country of Iran. In Neshat's photograph, "From the Last World Series" a row of nine men stand adjacent to a seated central figure who stares definitely at the viewer. Instead of bread and wine, resting on the long table, there are large copies of what appears to be the Holy Quran. Both the lighting and composition recall da Vinci's famous painting, but what moment do you think Neshat has captured in this photograph? You can visit both works this month. One is at a convent in Milan, Italy, and the other is at a gallery in New York City. Check them both out.
Shirin Neshat's "From the Last World Series" (2003) Gelatin silver print
NEWS OF WEEK from across the USA, and around the world, see below:
Are you an artist? Are you a collector? If you like what you see each week, please invite a friend to subscribe to our weekly e-newsletter. Since November 1, 2008, friends like yourself have been subscribing and selecting the annual winner of the Alpha Omega Prize for religious dialogue. You can also follow us weekly on Tumblr, Twitter, Facebook, or Soundcloud, but only subscribers can vote for the prize.
Collector Mr. Marin with, from left, “Adios,” a glass sculpture by the brothers Einar and Jamex de la Torre; the painting “El Viaje del Regalo,” by Ricardo Ruiz; and the painting “Axis Bold as Love,” by George Yepes. Monica Almeida/The New York Times
Collector and actor, art patron Cheech Marin wants permanent home for more than 700 works from his collection. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
Collector Cheech Marin: Art activist at heart. Credit Dope Magazine