Art and Ritual: The Role of Visual Culture in Religious Practices

This exam addresses the function of visual culture in religious rituals, emphasizing how art serves as a critical component of spiritual practices and community identity. Specific case studies will be reviewed to illustrate these dynamics.

Recognizing the interplay between art and ritual broadens scholarly engagement with both art history and religious studies. This understanding highlights art's role in shaping communal practices and individual spiritual experiences.

Candidates will demonstrate their understanding of how visual culture enhances or transforms religious rituals. Verbal assessments will involve reflecting on specific ceremonies and artworks, analyzing their mutual influence.

The examination will also encourage critical analysis of how artistic forms adapt within different cultural contexts of ritual practices. This examination approach promotes a deeper understanding of art's transformative potential within faith traditions.