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Theology & Arts Symposium: Georges Rouault
Theology & Arts Symposium
Humanity Redeemed:
The Theological Vision of Georges Rouault
Friday, September 23 – Saturday, September 24
Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary—Charlotte
Purpose
Georges Rouault (1871–1958) was unique among French modernist artists due to his Christian commitment and its influence on his work. The theological vision unveiled through his art is honest and complex, one that reflects the changing climate and tumultuous events of the early twentieth century. In doing so, Rouault showed the possibility of salvation and hope within the inexplicable suffering and mundane realities of human life. His close friend Jacques Maritain identified this as “the art of humanity redeemed.”
This symposium will gather teachers, pastors, artists, ministry leaders, and others to reflect on the theological vision of Georges Rouault and his ongoing impact. Prominent scholars and practitioners with expertise in theology, art history, philosophy, therapy, and community leadership will be offering papers and leading the discussion. Two of the speakers, Philippe and Caroline Rouault, great-grandchildren of George Rouault, will provide a personal introduction to his life, work, and family. In addition, several artists will present new work inspired by Rouault, which will both enrich our experience together and show the ongoing generativity of Rouault’s vision and style.
Speakers
Dr. William A. Dyrness
Dean Emeritus and Senior Professor of Theology and Culture, Fuller Theological Seminary
Dr. Thomas Hibbs
Professor of Philosophy and Dean Emeritus, Baylor University
Dr. Soo Yun Kang
Professor of Art History, Chicago State University
Joel Klepac
Artist and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Centre College
Dr. James Romaine
Professor of Art, Lander University
Dr. Pamela Rossi-Keen
Executive Director of The Genesis Collective
Philippe Rouault
Great grandson of Georges Rouault
Caroline Rouault
Great granddaughter-in-law of Georges Rouault
Artists
Christina Felten
Bryn Gillette
Helms Jarrell
Josh Jensen
Ryan Lauterio
Dave Reinhardt
Melanie Spinks
Derrell Young
Gallery
Gordon-Conwell is pleased to exhibit “Seeing Christ in the Darkness: Georges Rouault as Graphic Artist,” a 42-piece exhibit from Bowden Collections,
Schedule
Friday, September 23
| 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. |
Dinner & Reception(Room 122) |
| 7:00 p.m. – 7:15 p.m. |
WelcomeWes Vander Lugt, Sandra Bowden, Gerry Wheaton |
| 7:15 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. |
Session 1Paper: Philippe and Caroline Rouault, “George Rouault: A Personal Introduction” Artist: Melanie Spinks, Crown |
| 8:00 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. |
Session 2Paper: Pamela Rossi-Keen, “Art in Community: Rouault, Brueggemann, and Postindustrial Imagination” Artist: Helms Jarrell, Beloved |
Saturday, September 24
| 9:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. |
Session 3Paper: Thomas Hibbs, “Learning to See, Feel, and Say: Rouault’s Art as Propaedeutic to Theology Artist: Christina Felten, How can we fix our eyes on what is unseen? |
| 9:45 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. |
Session 4Paper: Joel Klepac, “The Healing Poetics of Georges Rouault” Artist: Josh Jenson, To Carry Across |
| 10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. |
Break |
| 10:45 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. |
Session 5Paper: Soo Kang, “Blessed Are the Poor: Theology of Poverty in the Art of Rouault” Artist: Bryn Gillette, St. Isidore |
| 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. |
Lunch |
| 1:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. |
Session 6Paper: James Romaine, “Romare Bearden, Georges Rouault, and the Art of Empathy” Artist: Derrell Young, Paint the Mind |
| 1:45 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. |
Session 7Paper: William Dyrness, “George Rouault and the Irony of Religious Responses to Modern Art” Artist: Ryan Lauterio, Alphabet Soup |
| 2:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. |
Break |
| 2:45 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. |
Session 8Paper: Wes Vander Lugt, “Resonating with Rouault” Artist: Dave Reinhardt, Unrefined Impressions |
| 3:30 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. |
Closing |
Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary—Charlotte Campus
14542 Choate Circle Charlotte, NC 28273
Charlotte Campus
ACCOMODATIONS
If you are traveling from outside of Charlotte, there are many options for accommodations surrounding the campus. We suggest Embassy Suites and Hilton Garden Inn at Ayrsley, or Comfort Inn and TownPlace Suites at I-77 and Carowinds Blvd.
Registration
Registration closes on September 16. Student and
faculty rates are also available.
Wes Vander Lugt
Symposium Organizer and Adjunct
Professor of Practical Theology
Have Questions?
We look forward to seeing you in Charlotte! If you have any questions about the symposium, please feel free to reach out.