CMR readers may remember the post here some time ago on the proposed design for a west coast shrine of the Divine Mercy, a building obviously well-intentioned but with less-than-adequate architectural skill (left). The uber-talented and ever-energetic architect Matthew Alderman has proposed initial sketches for an unofficial counter proposal posted at Holy Whapping and New Liturgical Movement. Even architectural amateurs no doubt will see the difference between authentic traditional architecture and the designed proposed out west. Mr. Alderman’s evocative sketches reveal something far superior to the proposed plan, and I am happy to display them here below. If anyone wants to forward these ideas to the shrine out west, contact information can be found here.
March 8, 2009 at 11:35 am
Matthew – yes, the designs are indeed night and day/ naive and congniscent/ clueless and classy. But as you are probably VERY aware, the architectural world is very much tied to the art world in that in many cases you have a name which carries a lot of weight with it when it comes to the actual design. So, while the design may suck, those in charge of the commission a) most likely don’t understand why it sucks and b) are probably “thrilled” that they were “able to procure” architect X for the project, since it may generate a lot of press and publicity. Art and architectural critics create frenzy and buzz surrounding any artist du-jour so that they can claim to have discovered and championed said artist as well as the newest “best thing to hit the art world”, then move on when they decide to.
Incidently, here in Italy (which seriously contains upwards towards 70% of the world’s art under conservative estimates) has some of the most incredible and talented artists you will ever come across in our lifetime (and I know several) who would rival Reni, Carravaggio and Rubens. But there is just NO MONEY in representational art these days, so these artists which should be creating masterpieces to hang in the world’s finest museums earn a living doing restorations on frescoes and other pieces (i.e. other people’s work). It’s very sad, since the church SHOULD STILL BE the #1 sponsor of these people.
I don’t think the church realises anymore that the #1 way to curtail the “#$%^ crucifix” or Ofile’s “Virgin Mary” is to set the artistic standard as it did for centuries. Maybe once Mahoney is cold in the grave we can lookforward to another artistic renaissance.