Art can display God’s character

Described as ‘the most important collection of religious art in Europe outside the Vatican’, the Methodist Art Collection has been featured at the first ever Catalyst Live.

The Deposition by Graham Sutherland was unpacked by the secretary of the collection, Graham Kent, at the Manchester event. He explained the painting of Jesus being laid in the tomb symbolised both the crucifixion and Resurrection of Christ.

At the Reading event, Peter Forsaith, Research Fellow of the Oxford Centre for Methodism and Church History, gave an often personal reflection on Ghislaine Howard’s The Washing of the Feet. He said the picture, “made me focus on what Jesus was about – getting on his hands and knees and working on the painful, smelly and dirty parts of humanity. Is there space at your church for washing of feet in the dirty world?” he challenged the audience.

Both Forsaith and Kent encouraged Christians to see art as a channel for sharing the gospel. "Engage with all people who agonise over art. They may show us something of the character of God," said Kent.

28/11/2013