MOA Trip

Last class we were able to visit BYU's own Museum of Art for a tour. We got to take a look at the museum's religious collection and we learned that the MOA is one of the only BYU art museums to put such an emphasis on collecting religious works. As we were looking at their collection on display, the curator took the time to point on some interesting points of Christian art.

It was interesting to note that most depictions of Christ and others of the same time period are of Caucasians. It wasn't until the 20th Century that artists began to make more realistic depictions of Christ. Also, there is great symbolism found in the colors and shapes. Artists would use threes (such as a halo divided into 3 sections) do represent the trinity of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. The Virgin Mary was often dressed in red and blue to represent both the upcoming tragedies and her divinity as the mother of Christ.

It was an interesting exhibit because it was almost progressive ( you got to see each part of the Savior's life). My favorite piece there would probably be the three paneled crucifixion scene because it showed every man kneeling to Christ and the vine that extended up the cross reminded me of the hope of life that is the most important part of the Savior's atonement. I love that it depicted that every head will bow and every knee will fall to the Savior of the World, even Christ and I know that I was definitely moved by the painting.