Apr 4, 2009 0
Refractions: Fujimura’s Case for the Arts
There are few books by Christians that articulate the importance of the arts, especially for Christians. In Refractions, globally renowned artist Makoto Fujimura presents an articulate, compelling, and beautiful case for the arts in our world and in Christian communities.
Some readers, especially non-artists, may balk at his grand philosophical visions for the arts, and his seeming overstatements about the actual process of painting (does he really think about everything he claims to think about when he picks up a brush or mixes his colors). However, these speed bumps for some give way to a rich series of stories and reflections that are not only profound and relevant, but worth pondering and rethinking.
I suggest that this book, like good art, demands a slow, careful reading, rereading, and reevaluating. We may not be able to relate to Fujimura’s painting process on the first read, but as we enmesh ourselves in his ideas and vision for art, we begin to see the significance of every act for an artist, the power of creating, and the need for this kind of careful reflection and refraction in our everyday lives.
A More In-Depth Look…
