Tribulation Enshrined

Abstract

This research and creative activity is a series of seven interactive art shrines called Tribulation Enshrined. Using my knowledge of Judeo-Christianity, my work compares that religious visual culture with art practices to inform the design of my thesis exhibition. The imagery in the work focuses on a religious apocalyptic event called Tribulation, which is a part of the Judeo-Christian belief system and a reality my family chose to believe. I am troubled that the basis of my family's faith and rituals revolve around the fear of the apocalyptic. My thesis series allows me to explore and analyze my doubts, which will aid me in changing my belief system. I made seven shrines, which correspond to one of each of the seven events in Tribulation. During my childhood my father explained each of these seven events to me. His descriptions and examples of how to interpret Scripture into current events terrified me. My father insisted that awareness of the Tribulation sequence, current political events and more dedication to the Christian Commandments would keep us safe from these events. Each shrine incorporates one Tribulation event (called Seals), one Sacrament (rites of passage for Christian dedication) and a memory about my father's description. The final Shrine is interactive to convey the social component that I feel is crucial to transmitting and sustaining the beliefs associated with the visual culture of religion and art. I used my research to create artwork that explores the connections between the visual culture of art and religion to determine whether rituals are mutually shared. The memories of a changing religious atmosphere, from Christianity to a Judeo-Christian belief system, help to align the contradictions I believe hinder my social awareness. Awareness of the motivations behind ritualized practice will inform the visual design of my work, the sequence of their transition and their affect on my beliefs.