The reasons art is created can be as diverse as its many creators. Art can be crafted to instruct, encourage, discourage, clarify or confuse. At its best, it can inspire and testify. Art can help believers remember the great things of God.
"To have art serve that purpose is one of the highest purposes that art can possibly fulfill," said Church Historian and Recorder Elder Marlin K. Jensen of the Seventy.
Elder Jensen presided March 20 at the opening reception of the Church's 8th International Art Competition appropriately entitled "Remembering the Great Things of God." The exhibition includes nearly 200 artworks from Church members hailing from dozens of countries. The display is varied in both medium and subject — yet all the pieces work together to celebrate the many wonders of the divine.
As a self-described "non-artist," Elder Jensen said he was moved by the collective talent on display in the exhibit.
"I stand in awe of those who have contributed to this competition," he said.
Held every three years, the international competition has truly become a global art event. Almost 1,100 professional and amateur artists from 44 nations submitted entries. More than a quarter of those participants came from outside the United States. Many enlisted their own regional traditions in their respective work. Visitors to the popular exhibit will enjoy the artistic influence and flavors of Africa, Latin America, North America, Europe, Asia and the South Pacific.
Church History Museum curator Robert Davis said the international art competition began 22 years ago in an effort to produce and support inspiring works of art. Many pieces of art from past competitions have been utilized in Church magazines, publications and lesson manuals to illustrate and enrich gospel teachings and principles. Several pieces that were first seen in one of the competitions now hang in print form in temples and meetinghouses throughout the world.
"We hope the [artwork] produces happiness and joy and perhaps clarifies understanding," said Brother Davis, adding that the gospel is advanced through such shows.
Exhibition organizer Ray Halls said the Lord's hand could be traced in each step in the latest installment of the competition. A team of jurors and advisors worked together to select the artwork that was included in the exhibit. This year's theme was deliberately general, offering the artists much latitude on how they visually articulated "the great things of God."
Depictions of the Savior and the lives of LDS women are the exhibit's most common themes. Other popular subjects include episodes from the scriptures, gospel teachings, pivotal moments of Church history and children. While oil paintings are the show's most prevalent medium, an impressive collection of sculptures, ceramics, stained glass and textiles are also on display.
The exhibition, said Brother Halls, "truly testifies of God's great work among His children."
For the first time the Church's international art competition is being displayed in the Conference Center. Visitors can view the free exhibit in the Conference Center's Grand Atrium Foyer on the terrace (second) level through Oct. 11, 2009. Past exhibits have been hosted by the Church History Museum.
Twenty artists from the exhibition were honored with awards of merit. Another 18 received purchase awards. (See list on page 10.) Their selections will be added to the Church's permanent art collection. Later, three visitor choice awards will chosen by patrons of the exhibition.
Even as exhibition organizers catch their breath following the unveiling of the exhibition, work is underway for the 9th International Art Competition in 2012. Elder Jensen announced the theme for that competition will be "Make Known His Wonderful Works." Entry information will be posted on the Church History Museum Web site later this year.
Award recipients
Several participants in the 8th International Art Competition received special awards for their entries. Purchase Award recipients will have their artwork become part of the Church History Museum's permanent collection.
MERIT AWARDS
PURCHASE AWARDS
