The Catholic art world is experiencing a revival, fueled by a desire to counter the decline in beauty observed over the past two centuries.
As one artist explains, “the enemy” seeks to make the world ugly, and Christian art, rooted in the “religion of the Incarnation,” should strive to make it beautiful once more.
Rebuilding the Church in Beauty:
This revival extends beyond just painting.
A new generation of Catholic artists is working across various mediums, including sculpting, music, and architecture.
This is particularly evident in church design, with many new churches built in recent decades emphasizing traditional styles that prioritize beauty and form.
St. Mary’s Catholic Center: A Beacon of Beauty:
One such example is St. Mary’s Catholic Center in College Station, Texas.
This stunning church, built in 2023, serves the vibrant student community at Texas A&M University.
Designed by a team of Catholic artists, the church was intended to be a clear and beautiful expression of its purpose, guiding students towards God.
The Impact of Beauty:
The impact of St. Mary’s goes beyond aesthetics.
Students, both Catholic and non-Catholic, have found the church to be a powerful tool for entering into prayer and liturgy.
The use of artistic elements throughout the building helps connect people to salvation history and God’s plan.
This story highlights the enduring power of art and architecture as tools for evangelization, especially among younger generations.
Beyond Replication: A Living Tradition:
However, the revival isn’t about simply copying past masterpieces.
As another artist points out, Catholic artists today must delve deeper and find a way to “manifest a living tradition” through new works inspired by the faith’s rich artistic heritage.
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