RELIGIOUS ART | NEWS OF WEEK

ALPHA OMEGA ARTS 
By TAHLIB

As our leaders squabbled in Washington, D.C. over what they treasure most, a museum in Utah hung Heinrich Hofmann's "Christ and the Rich Young Ruler" (above), and that is my NEWS OF WEEK. This painting, done by Hofmann in 1888, illustrates one of Jesus' riddles where he attempts to penetrate through to a man’s idolatry by causing him to think: "Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me’ (Luke 18:22)." In Christianity, idolatry is what is treasured more than Christ, and this man chose his wealth. What does Hofmann's "Rich Young Ruler" say to us today?

In other religious art news from across the USA, and around the world:

1. Buddhist Art of Week: Asian art markets continue impressive sales worldwide. [More News]
2. Hindu Art of Week: M. F. Husain’s ‘Bhopal’ to be auctioned in London, Oct. 8. [More News]
3. Islamic Art of Week: Pouran Jinchi deconstructs calligraphy, beginning with text. [More News]
4. Judaic Art of Week: Marc Chagall's dark side revealed at NY's Jewish Museum. [More News]
5. A&O Prizes for 2013: Make your nomination today (Call is open until Oct.15). [Ballot 2013]

It's more than Art. It's Religion. We are believers (and skeptics too), united in the search for human meaning through art from the religious imagination. We believe in the artists and craftsman who dare to explore religious themes through their creativity. When you believe, you join other believers. Some of us join the Alpha Omega Arts as dues-paying members; others support the A&O Prize - Youth Scholarships as donors; and most subscribe to this "free" weekly newsletter (or follow on: Tumblr, Twitter, Facebook or Soundcloud). All are welcome.