Beyond Belief: Modern Art and the Religious Imagination

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The idea for this exhibition and book was born of a simple question. What would happen if it were possible to bring together some of the great religious art of the [twentieth] century--and to them bring some of the thinkers of the century? -- Rosemary Crumlin

The 72 artists include Francis Bacon, Max Beckmann, Arthur Boyd, Leonora Carrington, Marc Chagall, Francesco Clemente, Otto Dix, Max Ernst, Audrey Flack, George Grosz, Maria Izquierdo, Frida Kahlo, Wassily Kandinsky, Hilma AF Klint, Lee Krasner, Robert Mapplethorpe, Henri Matisse, George Mung Mung, Barnet Newman, Emil Nolde, Georgia O'Keeffe, Jose Clemente Orozco, Pablo Picasso, Germaine Richier, Mark Rothko, Georges Rouault, Antonio Saura, George Segal, Cindy Sherman, Remedios Varo, and Andy Warhol. Significant representation is given to both abstract and figurative works, works from a variety of religious traditions and spiritual works from no religious tradition.

Two decisions influenced the distinctive shape of this exhibition. One was to include a major group of works by Mexican artists. The other was to acknowledge that among the great artists of this century are indigenous artists of equal stature. -- Rosemary Crumlin

Fifty contributing authors from eight countries provided individual essays to accompany images of each artist's work and collaborated in the creation of the exhibition. Contributors included artists; art historians; curators; gallery and museum directors; professors and academics in art history, religion, theology, philosophy and the arts. Eight longer essays and dialogues introduce the exhibition:

Beyond Belief: Modern Art and the Religious Imagination -- Rosemary Crumlin

Beyond Belief and the Power of the Image -- David Freedberg talking with Rosemary Crumlin

Realizing Nothing -- Mark C. Taylor

Beyond Belief: The Artistic Journey -- Diane Apostolos-Cappadona

Interconnection: Religion and Art -- Friedhelm Mennekes

Through Feminist Biblical Eyes -- Veronica Lawson and Elaine Wainwright

Educating for Beyond Belief into the Twenty-First Century -- Maria Harris

Surprised into Seeing -- Margaret Woodward