Art for wellbeing & learning

Learn about the value of Art in the Middle Ages where Christian Spirituality was central to people's world and where the Art formed their Bible because of such high rates of illiteracy. It was such a comfort to them then.

With the rise of Christian Humanism and a  return to the Antiquity of Ancient Greece and Rome, a new artistic language was formed.  For the first time, artists explored mathematical perspective, a form of realism within an idealistic representation of human forms, Biblical truths, and Classical mythology.

Chiaroscuro is the term Rembrandt is so well know for in his imagery. These dramatic effects of highly contrasting darks and lights created other worldly effects. It helped to transcend his imagery beyond the every day world.  We could do with some of his spiritual messages today.

Changing seasons, times of the day and changing light effects on objects and people is what fascinated the Impressionists.  With the introduction of the camera and chemical developments of pigments within paint, came new opportunities for the use of color, design and compositions. It was a new world for them.

Coming from his Jewish background enabled Chagall to grasp and respond to the transcendent within his art.  His artistic world reveals the ethereal and imaginative characters that meet with the  every day person. We are invited to meet him in this mystery as we view his art works.

Haunted by himself, Van Gogh was on a quest to depict the beauty of the world around him within his own paintings. Having been cast aside from the every day world, because he could not fit into their mold, he explored new artistic techniques, brush work and design. Out of his apparent failure, arose one of the most popular and beloved artists of all time.