The Work of Art in Spiritual Experience
Regina Coupar
CrossCurrents June 1, 2024 DOI: 10.1353/cro.2024.a951552 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that aesthetic experience from visual art can constitute religious experience in some Christian communities, though challenged by conventional practices. |
Abstract
Abstract: Writing from the perspective of a practicing visual artist, and drawing from my original doctoral research (D.Min., University of Toronto, 2014), I will show that the creation and appreciation of visual art can provide a direct avenue for aesthetic experience relevant to religion. As my historical and contemporary examples suggest, in connection with the theoretical work of (among others) Mikel Dufrenne and William James, aesthetic experience can constitute religious experience in the context of a number of distinct Christian communities, though still challenged in this role by conventional practices and expectations.