Chapmans, Micallef and Collishaw search for God
The Stations of the Cross shows contemporary works themed around the Passion of Christ throughout Lent 2014
Contemporary art is distinct from earlier periods in many ways, yet one characteristic often highlighted is the way today's artists tend not to depict religious scenes. Exceptions to this rule are currently on show at St Marylebone's Parish Church in London, in an exhibition of works depicting the Passion of Christ. Stations of the Cross features works by the Chapman Brothers, Antony Micallef, Mat Collishaw, Alison Jackson and the late Sebastian Horsley and runs throughout Lent.
This collection of sculptures and paintings has been organized by public art body Art Below; most of the works are for sale, and a share of the proceeds will go towards Art Below's co-founder, Ben Moore's Missing Tom Fund, which finances the ongoing search for Moore's missing brother.
Moore made headlines last year, when he hosted an exhibition of Star Wars stormtrooper helmets, customised by the likes of Damien Hirst and David Bailey. "The proceeds from Art Wars have enabled us to reignite the search for my brother and also to draw attention to the excellent work of the Missing People Charity,' Moore says. 'Tom was very interested in religion and, as such, Stations of the Cross seems a natural fit for us. We hope that the project will offer further help in continuing our search for Tom."
Other artists featured in the show include Paul Fryer, Polly Morgan and Wolfie von Lenkiewicz. To find out more about the show, go here. For greater insight into what else sets contemporary art apart, take a look at our book Defining Contemporary Art. And for more on earlier Christian art, consider our book, The Glory of Byzantium and Early Christendom.
