CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA.- Five Artists * Five Faiths presents the work of artists who interpret the philosophies and art traditions of -- Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism. The artists -- Stephen Antonakos, Helène Aylon, Kimsooja, Ahmed Moustafa, and Pamela Singh -- are inspired by the beliefs, practices, or rituals associated with a particular faith, and often reinterpret the imagery and symbols that evolved along with these traditions. Parallels in their references to light, sacred text, geometry, the unity of opposites, and meditation suggest points of connection among the artists, the faiths, and their visual cultures.
By experimenting with innovative technologies and approaches in their work, the artists expand the vocabulary of art defined by earlier generations. With these new tools, they address aspects of spirituality and respond to the rapidly changing realities and challenges of contemporary life.
Five Artists * Five Faiths is displayed within the galleries devoted to both special exhibitions and the Ackland Collection. Integrating contemporary art and traditional sacred objects invites exploration of continuity and change within these five traditions of reverence and their arts.