Patrick Luber: Exceptionally Ordinary

Perhaps one of the greatest ironies of Postmodernism is that it has allowed for a more open discussion about the relationship between art and religion- a topic largely ignored by Modernism. While organized religions have prescribed rituals, doctrines, and visual traditions, the manner in which people actually practice and express their faith often differs from institutional doctrine. This is especially true in America where religious beliefs are often cobbled together from a variety of sources or practices. As such, people live their beliefs through various forms of personalized expressions, outside of, or as an extension of organized religious practices- and in some cases, interpret doctrine in unorthodox ways. This independent and DIY approach to religious expression is embedded in the historic fabric of American culture, and is still very much alive today. Luber’s art making practices participate in, and extend historic artistic traditions between art and religion, yet does so through a visual language which reflects the complex relationship between spiritual beliefs and contemporary culture.

Credit: Exhibition overview from museum website