Enzo Selvaggi, the creative director at Heritage Liturgical LLC, spoke at Benedictine College about the use of art in our modern and secular world and how important it is to observe the practices of sacred art, especially in terms of architecture.
Selvaggi started his presentation by defining sacred art and how important it is. He mentioned that many religions have a deep respect for art in its various forms. Additionally, he mentioned three things that sacred art should be: Legible, which is the “what,” intentional, which is the “why,” and pure or unequivocal, which is the “who.” “If it’s not moving people, it’s not working,” Selvaggi said.
Selvaggi talked in depth about rupture and reform in art within our culture. He gave the example of rupture within the New York Penn Station. Originally built in 1910, Selvaggi explained that Penn Station was a building with beautiful architecture. Ever since its reconstruction in 1965, Selvaggi said that he believes that it does not evoke the same emotions as the old building did.
Conversely, Selvaggi gives examples of reform that is happening within sacred art in our culture. He explained that the new library transformation that will be complete in 2025 is a great example of a recovery of traditional art.
Marie Gannon, a senior at Benedictine College, believes that modern art must appeal to more than just the senses. “I think modern art has aesthetic beauty, but for something to point towards Godlike beauty, it has to appeal to the intellect and not just the senses,” Gannon said.
For more information about Enzo Selvaggi and the importance of sacred art, go to: https://theabbotscircle.com/sacred-art
