Religious Art

There are many factors that have contributed to the diminishing popularity of religious art. Numerous dealers claim that the market for religious art is limited. According to Daniel Grant, religion in art is viewed as anachronistic and untenable in the context of modern art. Critics have argued that it is conceivably only permissible under the guise of Postmodernist strategy.
The concern of many art dealers and curators is the possibility of offense that possibly will occur in response to these arts. Religious art is often times seen as expressions of intolerance and extremism leading to a stigma associated with it that by supporting this art you are supporting these ideals. Due to this, many art dealers are not interested in taking a chance
on religious arts.
As a response to the decreased popularity of religious art, many galleries have been established in churches and smaller museums for exhibitions that focus on religious and spiritual themes. Along with these galleries, religious institutions have also set up “art ministries” providing fine- and performing-arts programs for their congregations. Some artists have taken a different approach, for example, an artist may change the name of their work to disguise the religious themes and to allow an audience to form their own thoughts and interpretations of the work. Another artist may choose to depict indistinct scenes allowing the viewers to draw their own meaning from the work without obvious religious tones. By doing this, their art is accepted into more secular competitions and exhibitions.
I feel it is important for us to embrace more religious art. Art is a form of expression that is important to today’s society. I feel it is important for people to be able to convey what is important to them such as their religion without fear or backlash from the community they wish to be a part of.