The Sacred Art of Ethiopia
Wilshire’s latest art exhibit, The Sacred Art of Ethiopia, opens Oct. 2 and will be on display in the South Lobby through Nov. 17. The show celebrates the rich artistic heritage of one of the world’s oldest Christian civilizations. Works include processional crosses, folding icons and paintings on biblical themes — especially the life of Jesus — in the style of traditional illuminated manuscript art.
More about the show:
Ethiopia is one of the oldest Christian civilizations in the world. Even today, more than half of Ethiopians identify as Christian and are still creating religious objects similar to those done centuries ago. The Sacred Art of Ethiopia is organized to familiarize ourselves and celebrate Ethiopia’s rich artistic heritage exhibition.
Most of the pieces in the show are the work of Ethiopian artists and artisans from the last 30 to 50 years who carry on ancient forms of sacred art-making in the modern era. They include hammered metal processional and pectoral crosses, folding icons, and leather and parchment paintings on biblical themes in the style of traditional Ethiopian illuminated manuscript art. One highlight of the show is a 100 year old painting on leather of the Virgin Mary and Her Beloved Son surrounded by stories from the life of Jesus.
The Ethiopian school of iconography was formed by skilled artisans in medieval Ethiopian monasteries, similar to what happened in Europe, where monks were often trained to work in scriptoriums copying religious texts and painted icons, always remaining faithful to the tradition. Making icons continues to be an important vocation in Ethiopia.
The purpose of Ethiopian art is to use color to portray the drama of the Gospels. These icons are made of wood or leather panels, and are used as personal altars. From the Annunciation to the Wisemen at the Nativity, Christ’s Baptism, The Wedding at Cana through the many events of his Passion, Ethiopian artists has focused on the life of Jesus.
When thinking of Ethiopian art it would be impossible not to mention the array of crosses that dominate their culture. Nowhere in the world has the cross been proliferated in so many ways as in Ethiopia. As seen in this exhibition, there are large, elaborately designed processional crosses mounted on poles, many in metals, some in wood, for use in public worship. For over 1,600 years Ethiopians have worn pendants or neck crosses, many times given at baptism and worn as evidence of the faith. Still other crosses were worn by priests and pilgrims during religious processions.
It is hoped that The Sacred Art of Ethiopia will enhance the viewer’s appreciation for how varied the Christian community worldwide “sees” the Scriptures.