Expression of Christian Faith through Art of Painting

UPH’s Visual Communication Design Department of Faculty of Design and Planning held a workshop on ‘Expressing Christian Faith through the Art of Painting’ on December 12, 2012 (12.12.12). The event took place at the Pelita Gallery, Building B of UPH Campus, Karawaci. The guests included Christian artists-painters who are representatives of SERUNI (Seni Rupa Kristen Indonesia): Wisnu Sasongko, S.Sn., M.Hum. (from Jogjakarta), Setiyoko Hadi, S.Sn. (from Jakarta), and Made Saputra, S.Sn. (from Bali). Lusiana Idawati, S.T., M.M., M.T., and Elya K. Wibowo S., M.A., arts critics and academician from Pelita Harapan University also took part on the event.

One of the purposes of holding such an event was to discuss several pieces of art craft from multiple points of view. Wisnu Sasongko, S.Sn. endeavored to elaborate art from the viewpoint of historical humanity right from the Renaissance up to the Reform movement, which is characterized by ardent expression of humanity and frequent use of divine symbols. In the present day, some artists-painters still persist, through their paintings, in delivering the Gospel.

Meanwhile, Setiyoko Hadi, S.Sn. dwelled on the symbols of self-denial from the visual expression of Christian faith. Made Suparta S.Sn. talked about the freedom of expression within the scope of Christian art. Each of the three experts made their own respective painting the object of the discussion. Wisnu Sasongko, on his ‘Sang Guru’ and ‘The Crucifixion of Christ’, mentioned  the expressions of his own spiritual experience, which is altogether introspective and self-denying.

Elya K. Wibowo S., M.A., a UPH’s academician and art critic, perceives art as a vast field in which its participants, particularly the artist themselves, are influenced by the Christian knowledge and perspective. Her opinion is based on Colossians 1: 15-16.

“The words imply the wholeness of every known reality because there is not a single thing in life that goes unrelated to faith. In other words, art is inseparable from faith,” explained Elya.

An object of art is not merely limited to what one can see, but it also represents something more meaningful. Besides, it is framed within the artist’s perspective, will, impression, and respond to the reality of faith.

According to Mr. Elya, Christian art has never been merited a place it really deserves to be enjoyed and judged from various study disciplines, without considering that art has its own approach that results in misunderstandings.

Considering art as potential medium of contemplation, still according to Mr. Elya, there have been fear and negative opinion amongst the Protestants so that it is only viewed as a tool to accumulate teachings. Therefore, it has restricted people’s viewpoint.

Art is deemed by the church as an extension of its dogma instead of a sacrament that when one wishes to express the beauty of reality through art that matches their faith, it will not count as a form of worship.

Hence, a Christian perspective is critical in either producing or appreciating a piece of art. There is bound to be subjectivity in them, including that which comes from the contributing artist themselves.

In conclusion, as stated by Mrs. Lusiana Idawati, the bottom line of the discussion is ‘the author is not dead; instead, he is alive’. She agreed with what the previous speakers got to say i.e., God is closely related to art, and how art reflects faith. Both of which are based on Hebrews 11:1, in which one can tell critical virtues such as confidence, assurance, as well as substance. As for the second part, it consists of conviction, evidence, and proof. In the form of a piece of art, these elements are expressed.

She also touched on the subject of art and beauty as one that bridges virtue and truthfulness, referring to the perfection symbolizing, in the Christian faith, God Himself.

Dean of Faculty of Design and Planning, Prof. Manlain A. Ronald viewed this seminar as the right kind of event to boost the quality of Christian faith and to learn to express it with fear-the-Lord designs. He is hopeful that, through this event, there will be new ideas and views that can enrich the field of painting in Indonesia.

A memo was signed at the end of the session between Visual Communication Design Department, on behalf of UPH, and SERUNI (Seni Rupa Kristen Indonesia) that covers the formation of a Christian-based community of painting art, participating in art seminar, and, last but not least, having them guest lecturers in the classroom. (rh)