Unit 4 - Forms Of Expression And Artwork Flashcards
Design of the church
• They will face east representing the resurrection
They will usually be designed either;
– In a cruciform shape (a cross) the symbol of Christianity
OR
– Round representing community and eternity, or octagonal meaning the light that is brought into the world
• They will have high ceilings, symbolising the greatness and otherness of God
• There will be stained glass windows to let in light and to show images from the Bible
The role of church
• Place of worship
• In particular they are place where for Catholics the Mass will take place
• They are a place of personal prayer
• They are a place where the community of believers are joined together as the Body of Christ
Different church features
• Lectern
• Altar
• Crucifix
• Tabernacle
• The baptismal font
Sacred objects
Sacred vessels - chalice, paten and ciborium
Sarcophagi
Hunger cloths
The importance of art
• It is a good way of evangelisation since it can be shown publically
• A way to help Catholics understand their faith.
• Artwork is a way to express love of God, and reflect on one’s faith.
• It is a form of prayer.
• Remind Catholics of God at home.
Types of art
Paintings - can express belief and love and glory of God
Icons - often done as a form of prayer and reflection
Frescoes - done in churches to show the glory and greatness of God
The use of statue and sculpture
• Used within churches for personal devotion of believers
• May also be used at the home for families to use as focal point of prayer, or to be prayed with privately, e.g. nativity set
• May also be done publically for others to see and focus on
Significance of statues
• They are see as sacred objects, and can be used to aid one be dedicated to God
• Statues can be used in prayer and meditation, helping people connect with God
• Catholics will often show devotion to statues. They will either, (1) kneel in front of them, (2) touch them, (3) light candles in front of them, or (4) pray before them
Significance of sculpture
• Done as a more visible depiction of certain people; Christ/Mary/the Saints
• Sculpture can make the nature of the piece feel more real and can connect the person with the artwork
Symbols
Cross and crucifix
Fish
Chi Rho
Dove
Eagle
Alpha and omega
Evangelists
Mystery play
Showing stories from the Bible
Passion plays
A way of showing passion of Jesus (died on the cross)
Commonly performed around Jesus
Why drama
• It is a way of bringing to life the stories of the Bible, as well as help others understand them
• It is also done as a way by the performers as their own worship
• It unites Christians together
• It makes them modern and relevant as well as being a good way to evangelise others
Where is it performed?
• Not done in churches as worship, though the church building may be used
• More often these plays may be done in the open public
Hymns
• Written for praise, adoration or prayer
• Means ‘song of praise’
• Usually sung at certain times at the Mass
• They often are linked to the time of the year
