Spiritual Art and Architecture
Architecture is something that has always fascinated me – specifically, the artwork behind the architecture. Some of the most beautiful architecture, in my opinion, is represented within religious structures throughout the world. Every structure seems to tell a story through the artwork in and around it. Cathedrals, temples, and mosques are just a few examples that come to mind.
Cathedrals
Grace Cathedral - San Francisco, California. Courtesy of David Yu
Cathedrals, or Christian churches, house beautiful artwork - paintings and stained glass included. I’ve always been drawn to the colors and shapes of stained glass. The way that the individual pieces come together to tell a story is fascinating. When the lighting hits the glass just right, the story seems to come to life. Some of the stained glass pieces featured in cathedrals are so precise, it leaves me wondering how long it took to finish them.
Paintings and carvings are also found within cathedrals. It can be easy to overlook the detail in these, simply because the cathedrals themselves can be overwhelming. Could you imagine standing on a ladder to paint fine art on a vaulted ceiling? If you’re afraid of heights like me, it’s something that you would probably rather not think about.
Cathedral stained glass. Courtesy of Sandroo, Elliott Brown, and Bernard Rose
Temples
Temples vary in structure and size, but most are meant to promote feelings of peace and tranquility. When I think of a temple, I envision a structure surrounded by water and trees, maybe some flowers. Looking through photos, however, I was surprised to learn that there are a lot more to them than nature alone. Like cathedrals, there are carvings almost from top to bottom. The Harmandir Sahib (also known as The Golden Temple), is a temple in India covered in artwork made almost entirely of marble and gold. I can’t imagine how beautiful it must look in person, because the pictures alone are stunning. Easily a site to add to the bucket list.
Amritsar, the "Golden Temple". Courtesy of Arian Zwegers
Mosques
Mosques, or Muslim places of worship, vary in size and structure. With multiple columns and large, rounded domes, they stand out quite easily. According to Wikipedia, the domes may signify vaults of heaven and the sky. Mosques also contain large rooms known as “Prayer halls”. And, much to my personal excitement, stained glass is incorporated within several structures. I have to admit, I didn’t know much about Mosques prior to writing this. I was surprised to learn that, while their architecture holds many similarities to that of other religious structures, they present a unique look all their own.
Mosque Interiors. Courtesy of Timothy Neesam and Julia Maudlin
When we look at the architecture of religious buildings, it's easy to notice the artwork held within the structures. The stories the builders were trying to tell seem to speak to us through the walls and through time itself. No matter the deity, the overall beauty of architecture is enough to marvel at. If you're interested in learning more about spiritual art and architecture, you can find several books right here at the library:
