Art has its own language that goes beyond what words can cover. Therefore, works of art can give us insight into the unclear and insight into the incomprehensible. I have experienced that quite particularly with  artwork with biblical motifs. It has inspired me to collect photos and put together this book, which I have called Karin's Art Bible.

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The Bible's stories have been created by people and for people over a very long time and have been passed down from generation to generation both before and after they were written down. Through the ages they have been read and told again and again. They have touched, influenced, engaged, challenged, provoked, outraged, created fear, but also comforted, delighted and given hope to people. They have conveyed fundamental values to society and culture. They have inspired artists to the highest masterpieces.

 

These masterpieces are today exhibited in museums, galleries and churches. The artists have often used themselves, their loved ones and the people around them in everyday life as models when they were to portray biblical scenes.  In a masterly way, they have managed to show what goes on under the surface in people's hearts.

 

The stories constitute a drama in which a large number of very different people are involved. We can follow the development from generation to generation where God is constantly involved and plays a central role from beginning to end. The drama unfolds on both the external and internal levels. Thoughts and feelings are essential parts of what happens.

 

This is portrayed so well that we do not just become spectators, but are drawn into what is happening. Perhaps it reminds us of something we have experienced ourselves, perhaps we recognize ourselves in their thoughts and feelings? It provides a basis for getting to know yourself better and your own inner self. At the same time, it provides an opportunity to understand more of what has to do with God - what is God like? How can we experience God?

 

I think this is what gives me so much to look at, study and scrutinize these images. Without being able to put into words why, it gives me quiet joy and inner peace. I feel a sense of togetherness with people around me and across time and place. The Bible's narratives include the whole world and all people. Other religions have similar stories that explain and describe the divine.

 

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Karin

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