Art is a visual representation of culture; something that makes us appreciate the space we live in. Our campus has already begun on this path thanks to the Center for Christian Culture and the Arts and the delightful musical events and art galleries they put on. And this is a declaration to those in charge of the CCCA from the students at large. Keep it going. We want more.
Most of us, including non-art majors, enjoy seeing our campus expressing its unique viewpoint. Art, in all of its forms, validates Biola as a place that has its own beliefs and aesthetics, which interacts with the larger world of art as a whole. We desire for Biola to grow and develop in its particular artistic voice, and to share its unique viewpoint with other schools.
Something about art pulls us in. It causes us to pause and think, even for a moment, on the nature of beauty and the meaning and significance of specific pieces. Art serves as a reminder of human accomplishment, and speaks to the possibility for creativity and inspiration in the midst of our often hectic lives.
Whether it shows up as one of the paintings found in the Student Union Building or library, the Jesus mural or the unique red brick buildings around campus, we appreciate beauty. As a visually-driven culture, we seek out and celebrate beauty. The addition of more art on campus not only satisfies this inner desire for the beautiful, it heightens the attractiveness of our campus in the eyes of visitors and potential students.
CAPTURING BEAUTY
Josef Pieper said, “The vital function of the arts in man's life consists above all in this: that through them contemplation of the created world is kept active and alive.”
The world we live in is filled with examples of breathtaking beauty, but we do not always notice it. An artist can capture life and present it to the viewers in a new way that challenges us to take another look.
Art creates moments of pause within a person. For those students walking around campus, engulfed in the busy heat of the day, moments where they stop and marvel at an art piece provide a needed break. Such times instill a sense of wonder and that detaches students from the notorious Biola bubble and place them in the happenings of the world that Christians are called to inhabit.
Creative pieces open doors of opportunities for our school. On-campus art speaks to the culture within our school as well as to the wider culture we live in. Therefore, taking the time to install pieces which express ideas we value visually across our campus is imperative. On a larger scale, the ability to exchange ideas not just with our campus but with the world, is one of the main benefits of art.
Art is essential. To designate spaces of beauty and wonder on our campus would provide a glimpse into the soul. Through art we can take in the perspectives of those who think differently than we do. But this same medium also allows us to present our uniquely Christian viewpoint. This kind of multi-faceted conversation is necessary to the health of our university.
