This is my alma mater (for graduate school), and I'm not surprised to hear about this conflict at CUA. During my time there (2011-13) the campus ministry was very 1970s-esque, so I typically went to the Basilica or JPII center for Mass.
It's good to hear that there is push-back from some students. There is something to be said for engaging with contemporary issues and figures, but this art piece seems a bit too "of this world" to be appropriate.
It might be useful to consider this in the general case: is it ever appropriate to ambiguate Christ’s image in artwork? If so, are there established limits?
If this painting is intended to bring the Matt. verse to mind, one could convincingly argue that it could have been done any number of other ways without equating the two figures. For me, what that verse is saying is that any evil done to another is evil in the absolute, not that each of us is a substitute for Christ. This artwork muddies (maybe even negates) its own message.
"Some students who have criticized the painting — saying that it is not appropriate to depict Christ with the likeness of a contemporary figure"
This is the problem exactly. It does not matter whether it is George Floyd or Biden or Trump or any other figure. Christ must not be replaced by political or popular "saviors". It is very wrong to have a picture of Christ which is recognizably another person.
2 points. 1st (not controversial): so interested to learn that "Canon law establishes that Eastern Catholic bishops are responsible for regulating the production, blessing, and liturgical use of icons within the Church." How interesting. Hopefully the dudes (JD and Ed) can discuss the history of this.
2nd (controversial): aren't we called to see Christ in everyone, and everyone in Christ? George Floyd was Christian, so he is part of the body of Christ. We are not canonizing George Floyd with this painting, or hanging this painting. This painting was not in a church. I see in this painting Mary holding Jesus on one hand; a black Mary holding a black Jesus. So I think many of the people taking offense at this are racist, either knowingly or unknowingly ( and the article makes it clear many responses were racist). Then I also see Mary holding George Floyd, which I pray she does with each and every one of us. this is not to say George = Jesus, not at all. But, if you see it that way, I think people could have that discussion, especially in a Catholic University, in an open and loving way.
I see this as Mary cradling a black person. Those who object likely can't stand the thought of Jesus with dark skin. The painting alluding to George Floyd is appropriate. As he lay dying, Mr. Floyd called out for his mother. Mary responded as she does for all of us - she cradled George Floyd - and why not ? She's his mother too. Whatever you did to or think of George Floyd, you do to or think of Jesus. That's exactly what this painting is about, and it's appropriate for religious art (the Pieta is not actually Mary and Jesus, but a depiction. I hope people realize that).
This is my alma mater (for graduate school), and I'm not surprised to hear about this conflict at CUA. During my time there (2011-13) the campus ministry was very 1970s-esque, so I typically went to the Basilica or JPII center for Mass.
It's good to hear that there is push-back from some students. There is something to be said for engaging with contemporary issues and figures, but this art piece seems a bit too "of this world" to be appropriate.
It might be useful to consider this in the general case: is it ever appropriate to ambiguate Christ’s image in artwork? If so, are there established limits?
If this painting is intended to bring the Matt. verse to mind, one could convincingly argue that it could have been done any number of other ways without equating the two figures. For me, what that verse is saying is that any evil done to another is evil in the absolute, not that each of us is a substitute for Christ. This artwork muddies (maybe even negates) its own message.
"Some students who have criticized the painting — saying that it is not appropriate to depict Christ with the likeness of a contemporary figure"
This is the problem exactly. It does not matter whether it is George Floyd or Biden or Trump or any other figure. Christ must not be replaced by political or popular "saviors". It is very wrong to have a picture of Christ which is recognizably another person.
one down, one to go
2 points. 1st (not controversial): so interested to learn that "Canon law establishes that Eastern Catholic bishops are responsible for regulating the production, blessing, and liturgical use of icons within the Church." How interesting. Hopefully the dudes (JD and Ed) can discuss the history of this.
2nd (controversial): aren't we called to see Christ in everyone, and everyone in Christ? George Floyd was Christian, so he is part of the body of Christ. We are not canonizing George Floyd with this painting, or hanging this painting. This painting was not in a church. I see in this painting Mary holding Jesus on one hand; a black Mary holding a black Jesus. So I think many of the people taking offense at this are racist, either knowingly or unknowingly ( and the article makes it clear many responses were racist). Then I also see Mary holding George Floyd, which I pray she does with each and every one of us. this is not to say George = Jesus, not at all. But, if you see it that way, I think people could have that discussion, especially in a Catholic University, in an open and loving way.
I see this as Mary cradling a black person. Those who object likely can't stand the thought of Jesus with dark skin. The painting alluding to George Floyd is appropriate. As he lay dying, Mr. Floyd called out for his mother. Mary responded as she does for all of us - she cradled George Floyd - and why not ? She's his mother too. Whatever you did to or think of George Floyd, you do to or think of Jesus. That's exactly what this painting is about, and it's appropriate for religious art (the Pieta is not actually Mary and Jesus, but a depiction. I hope people realize that).
The opponents need a course in Catholic theology with a focus on human dignity as well as one in art history with a focus on sacred art.