How Do Religions Use Art?: Crash Course Art History #8

From the Egyptian Book of the Dead to Tibetan Buddhist sand mandalas, humans have always reached for art to express religious ideas and impulses. In this episode, we’ll explore how concepts of the divine and spirituality intersect with the history of art.

Introduction: James Hampton 00:00
The Book of the Dead 01:07
Art & Spiritual Feelings 02:57
Sacred Spaces 05:38
Art as Prayer & Ritual 07:40
Review & Credits 09:49

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Leah H., David Fanska, Andrew Woods, DL Singfield, Ken Davidian, Stephen Akuffo, Toni Miles, Steve Segreto, Kyle & Katherine Callahan, Laurel Stevens, Burt Humburg, Perry Joyce, Scott Harrison, Mark & Susan Billian, Alan Bridgeman, Breanna Bosso, Matt Curls, Jennifer Killen, Jon Allen, Sarah & Nathan Catchings, team dorsey, Bernardo Garza, Trevin Beattie, Eric Koslow, Indija-ka Siriwardena, Jason Rostoker, Siobhán, Ken Penttinen, Nathan Taylor, Barrett & Laura Nuzum, Les Aker, William McGraw, Vaso, ClareG, Rizwan Kassim, Constance Urist, Alex Hackman, Pineapples of Solidarity, Katie Dean, Stephen McCandless, Wai Jack Sin, Ian Dundore, Caleb Weeks
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Want to find Crash Course elsewhere on the internet?

[KannikCat]

Wow, as an architect I've long paid attention to how light has guided the design of religious buildings, but hadn't yet noted how much it also guided religious objects/art. That's eye opening and a whole new avenue to explore, thank you! Also, "Religious art doesn't always answer these questions, but it can make space to contemplate them, " is such a powerful phrase that's going to stick with me too. Wonderful episode.

[melonmelon]

Would like to see Sarah hosts more courses, History of Museums, perhaps? 😉

She's very good at this

[plasticcoyote]

Thank you for re-introducing me to James Hampton, who I hadn't thought of since college. I adore his work!

[isacami]

Crash course Art History has got to be the most inspiring of all crash courses, and i'm saying that as someone who has watched plenty of them <3

[MariaMartinez-researcher]

Theological librarian here, Catholic version. I appreciate the respectful and remarkably accurate definitions.
Also, "blingy." 😄

[TheTennesseeGeek]

Love how you opened with the Throne of James Hampton!

[dragonflies]

I can't wait for the next episode! My system connects really strongly with nature, and we probably draw elements of nature more than anything else (especially dragonflies, flowers, wind and rain).

[TJtheBee]

James Hampton’s work is absolutely beautiful. I’m stunned that I wasn’t taught about it in my classes…though I suspect I know the reason why. :(

[lindsey]

The Rothko Chapel is one of the most sacred places I’ve ever been, it’s absolutely stunning

[countylaugh]

I really appreciated all the ephemeral art practices too. And the changing art of a Zen garden. Love those moments that don't last.🎉

[OodoriSummer]

I’m a religious studies major. I have not delved into art a lot but I have become fascinated with art history lately. Thank you for this series!

[tamedthethreebears]

"We can't touch or hold light, but we know its there" love that quote

[pedrostormrage]

0:00 The Smithsonian American Art Museum (where the artwork is) youtube channel has a video just on James Hampton's Throne. It's unfortunate that it only gained recognition after his death (he secretly created it in a rented garage), so many questions about it remain unanswered.

[anisa]

islamic art is one of the most beautiful ones out there!

[cometmoon]

I love Islamic architecture, it's magnificent

[chumito]

I learned about both art and religion here! I didn't know that Islamic art does not depict living beings due to their beliefs.

[matthewpfeffer]

Thank you for covering Jewish art. This is a very underrepresented area of art history.

[dylancastle]

Crash Course is awesome! Love all the free educational content! Keep up the great work.

[rodenderon]

It was interesting to hear about the kolam here. Unexpected. Its actually common across all of South India and on on festivals, across all of india. They are called differently, muggu, rangoli, etc.

[gilangp]

As a Muslim, this video is amazing. Thank you.