Embracing Modern Art
Renowned Artist and New Author Speaking at Biola University
Daniel A. Siedell will be celebrating the release of his new book, God in the Gallery: A Christian Embrace of Modern Art, Oct. 14–15 at Biola University. Siedell, one of today’s most thoughtful Christians working in the field of contemporary art history and criticism, according to Biola art professor Jon Anderson, will speak in addition to celebrating his new book.
Siedell’s book, God in the Gallery, covers an evangelical reflection on the arts and the aesthetic life. Art is often viewed in a negative light in Christian circles, according to Siedell. He seeks to break down that view and proposes that art is a gift opposed to a threat to faith. He even constructs a framework for interpreting modern art “in Christ.”
"Daniel Siedell’s passionate appreciation for common grace is apparent on every page of God in the Gallery. This is a book that should be widely read not only for its penetrating account of the contemporary art world but also for its larger understanding of Christ and culture," endorsed John Wilson, editor of Books & Culture.
Siedell presents the intersection of faith, culture, and artistic vocations in God in the Gallery.
Siedell will speak on Oct. 14 in the Crowell School of Business, Room 109, at 7 p.m., followed by a question and answer time moderated by Biola art professor Dan Callis. He will also speak on “The Aesthetics of Christian Faith,” the following morning, Oct. 15, in chapel at 9:30 a.m. in Chase Gymnasium.
Daniel A. Siedell (PhD, University of Iowa), formerly curator of the Sheldon Memorial Art Gallery at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, is assistant professor of modern and contemporary art history, theory, and criticism at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. He has published numerous articles in Books & Culture, Christian Scholar’s Review, Studies in Religious Perspectives, and other various journals.
Written by Jenna Bartlo, Media Relations Coordinator. Jenna can be reached at (562) 777-4061 or through email at jenna.l.bartlo@biola.edu