The Sacred and the Profane: Religious Art Across Cultures

Authors

  • Dr. Zainab Jamil Department of Religious Studies and Art, Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), Pakistan.

Keywords:

Religious art, sacred art, profane, symbolism, iconography, comparative analysis, spirituality

Abstract

This article explores the dichotomy of the sacred and the profane in religious art across various cultures and historical epochs. From the ritualistic symbols of ancient indigenous cultures to the grand religious iconography of Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism, religious art serves as a powerful conduit for spirituality, community identity, and cultural memory. Through an examination of key themes, stylistic evolution, and symbolic representations, this paper investigates how religious art reflects, perpetuates, and sometimes subverts religious ideals. The analysis incorporates a comparative approach, highlighting both the unifying and divergent elements of religious art. Graphs, tables, and charts detail the thematic and stylistic transformations within religious art, contributing to an understanding of art as both a sacred and profane entity across cultures.

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Published

2024-12-31