Art, Religion, Politics

While Europe can be proud of its enlightened culture, oppressed communities in the Third World often form groups based on traditions with strong religious elements to give them a sense of identification and to oppose dominating central powers. Many struggling minorities, especially in countries with internal colonialism form groups based on religious values. The Australian aborigines are an example.

It is no longer possible today to have a simplistic view that interprets art with religious origins as archaic or obscure. Cultures with strong religious backgrounds and their art are appearing in many societies to defend themselves against the effects of globalization. Art, Religion, Politics explores the contemporary art of such cultures.

A historical introduction documenting the Christian roots of contemporary western art that comprises works by Joseph Beuys, Dan Flavin, Lucio Fontana, Yves Klein, Hermann Nitsch and Antoni Tàpies is also included.