In partnership with the Theology Programme at the University of Otago, Venn Centre for the Arts brings you two conversation evenings (one in Wellington, one in Auckland) with historian of Christian art and architecture Professor Robin Jensen. Whether you’re a practicing artist, or fascinated by the arts, these evenings offer are an excellent opportunity to explore some of the ancient dynamics of Christianity and art-making.
Auckland event:
Art or Idolatry?
Challenging the Myth of Christian Hostility to Visual Art
The history of Christianity and the visual arts has been marked by concern over images and idolatry. Professor Robin Jensen will consider how, contrary to what is often assumed, Christians made and used pictorial art no later than the early second century. These artworks drew upon stories from both the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament and, as such, they were not regarded as idolatrous but instead served important purpose.