Religious Context of my Work

The Norse and Greek myths I have been focusing on are derived from Pagan beliefs. To a casual reader, myths are seen as stories or tales of adventure, but to the more serious, they have a deeper meaning. The myths are actually cultural artefacts of a religious system. One thing that makes Norse religion so different from other faiths is that its surviving texts were written by those hostile towards the faith. If Jesus performing miracles was all that survived of the New Testament, there would be myths about a Jewish Wizard performing tricks.

Can religion be seen as a form of escapism?

By relieving the pressures of life by believing in a higher power has control over all life and decisions, those with faith are attempting to get out of the real world where they have no responsibility.

Religion seemed more prominent in art during the Renaissance period, Pagan or otherwise. Christianity was certainly the loudest religion in Europe; it was very restrictive on what followers could do with their lives. Therefore by painting myths which were derived from Pagan religions, generally appeared to have more freedom, the Renaissance painters were giving its restricted audience forms in which to temporarily escape their lives.

Religion can also be linked to place context. I went to Durham Cathedral to see the effects a religious building has in relation to a white cube gallery space. Since reading ‘Inside the White Cube’ by Brian O’Doherty, I became curious of their similarities as he often pointed them out. I noticed that both appear to invite quiet and respect into the space, talking turns to whispering, and people only appear to use their phones to take pictures. I also noticed how little access to the outside world actually has in religious buildings. There were windows and doors but all were either shut off or blocked by beautiful stained glass windows, allowing minimal light to pass. Unlike white cube spaces which are lit by a near blinding light so you can clearly view the exhibited work, the cathedral mainly relied on the natural light trying to find its way inside.