I Can See the Light: Spirituality in Pop Culture
Organized religion is undoubtedly a large part of human history and presently influences many facets of the world. Religion is conceived as a unifying source for humanity as descendants of God. However, individuals have rejected organized religion as it divides individuals of opposing religions and sexual orientations. Despite this consideration, individuals remain hungry for a congregation, community, and most importantly, a relationship with the divine.
In response, many prefer nondescript religions and identify with spirituality. Spirituality differs from organized religion as it is a personal pursuit, distinct from prescribed instructions and traditions. Despite an increased interest in spirituality, the highly regarded MET Gala honored the Catholic Church with its theme, Heavenly Bodies: Fashion in the Catholic Imagination. The event and exhibit housed various designs inspired by religious imagery and artwork. The majority of the exhibit’s inspiration included Renaissance Art, highly tied to the Catholic Church. The Church was a leading commissioner of art. Commissioning art also formerly solidified one’s political power. The use and abuse of political power is previously and presently a concern involving the Catholic Church. In contrast, art within a modern context remains secular and contains stylistic freedoms.
Rather than inspiration from religious imagery, artist James Turrell explores spirituality through his usage of light. Light is often used in both a religious and spiritual context, representing purity and goodness. However, Turrell intends to use light as an artistic medium that provokes transcendence and meditation. Turrell captures the ethereal properties of light as an earthly viewing of the spiritual realm. Turrell submerges viewers in a color-specific lit space, eliciting a distinct mood and energy. The usage of light and space impacts the mind and body, felt by the senses while encouraging the mind to focus beyond the physical. The work is an immersive experience, unrestrained by the confines of two-dimensional artworks. His pieces are influenced by perceptual psychology and the personal pursuit of reflection, self-awareness, and virtue.
Turrell’s work inspires many, notably artist and musician Kanye West. West’s music has recently taken a spiritual route, particularly in his Sunday Services. In an interview with David Letterman on his Netflix series, My Next Guest Needs No Introduction, West shares that Turrell’s work informs the service’s design. In the conversation, West also detailed his struggles with mental health. Kanye utilizes his own experiences with mental health and subsequent treatment as a testament to the effectiveness of his services and the healing power of Turrell’s work with light.
The design of the service is a minimal space and a dominant colored light source. Although spiritual in nature, religious iconography and symbols are absent from the service. Instead, the event emphasizes the nonphysical-- light and sound. West is joined by a choir, friends, and families, celebrating the gifts of music and community. In the program, Letterman accompanies West during one of these services and attests that the event was spiritual for him as well. As he shared his experience on The View, he recalled the profound unity of the corporal and incorporeal, highlighted by the drummer. Letterman states the drummer indicated to the audience that the origin of the drumbeat is the pulse of the human heart.
Turrell’s artwork and West’s services utilize religious morals of peace, patience, and acceptance, incorporated into secular environments. Through such works, there is a profound celebration of spirituality. Light, sound, mind, soul, and all incorporeal connect us with the pureness and perfection of the unknown.
