MOCRA Voices Museum of Contemporary Religious Art (MOCRA)

Dr. Aaron Rosen reflects on an artwork that holds deep personal meaning for him, in a conversation with MOCRA Director David Brinker

A leading scholar and curator reflects on the dialogue between contemporary visual artists and religion and spirituality, and shares his thoughts on MOCRA’s future.

How do you know if you're an artist? Many people would reflexively say they are not, since they cannot draw or paint or sculpt. But in this two-part episode, we hear from several people who have a more expansive understanding of what makes an artist. Their focus isn't on what is produced, but on the act of art-making itself, and the cultivation of an artistic methodology.
In Part 1, St. Louis-based artist, author, and educator Con Christeson interviews Federica Thiene. Thiene is an artist based in Italy and co-founder of artway of thinking, a non-profit organization with the aim of researching collective creative processes, where the artist enters actively into the process of social change. Together they explore the origins and scope of artway and what it means to work within a co-creation methodology. Listen to Part 1 of the conversation here.
Part 2 brings Christeson together with fellow St. Louis artist Tom Brady and MOCRA Assistant Director David Brinker in a conversation about the development of an artistic practice and its role in the community. They reflect on their shared their experiences with Geographica Schema, a project spearheaded by Christeson to introduce artway concepts to artists and others in St. Louis.
Visit the MOCRA Voices website to learn more about Con Christeson, Federica Thiene, and Tom Brady, and to explore our other episodes.
 
Recording Engineer and Editor: Mike Schrand
Host: Linda Kennedy
Theme and Incidental Music: Stephen James Neale
Producer: David Brinker
Original release date: 5/25/2017
This episode was made possible with financial support from the Regional Arts Commission.

How do you know if you're an artist? Many people would reflexively say they are not, since they cannot draw or paint or sculpt. But in this two-part episode, we hear from several people who have a more expansive understanding of what makes an artist. Their focus isn't on what is produced, but on the act of art-making itself, and the cultivation of an artistic methodology.
In Part 1, St. Louis-based artist, author, and educator Con Christeson interviews Federica Thiene. Thiene is an artist based in Italy and co-founder of artway of thinking, a non-profit organization with the aim of researching collective creative processes, where the artist enters actively into the process of social change. Together they explore the origins and scope of artway and what it means to work within a co-creation methodology.
Part 2 brings Christeson together with fellow St. Louis artist Tom Brady and MOCRA Assistant Director David Brinker in a conversation about the development of an artistic practice and its role in the community. They reflect on their shared their experiences with Geographica Schema, a project spearheaded by Christeson to introduce artway concepts to artists and others in St. Louis. Listen to Part 2 of the conversation here.
Visit the MOCRA Voices website to learn more about Con Christeson, Federica Thiene, and Tom Brady, and to explore our other episodes.
 
Recording Engineer and Editor: Mike Schrand
Host: Linda Kennedy
Theme and Incidental Music: Stephen James Neale
Producer: David Brinker
Original release date: 5/25/2017
This episode was made possible with financial support from the Regional Arts Commission.

Thanks to her discerning eye and generous hospitality, Martha Schneider has built a reputation as one of the foremost gallerists specializing in contemporary Latin American photography. But 30 years ago, she had no inkling where her passion for art would lead her.
She spoke with MOCRA Director Terrence Dempsey, SJ, about the origins of Schneider Gallery and how she came to represent world-renowned artists such as Maria Magdalena Campos-Pons, Luis González Palma, and Erika Diettes. They also talk about the highly successful collaborations between the gallery and MOCRA, including 2016's acclaimed exhibition, Erika Diettes: Sudarios.
Visit the MOCRA Voices website to learn more about Martha Schneider, and to explore a Listening Guide to the interview.
 
Recording Engineer and Editor: Mike Schrand
Host: Linda Kennedy
Theme and Incidental Music: Stephen James Neale
Producer: David Brinker
Original release date: 5/23/2017
This episode was made possible with financial support from the Regional Arts Commission.

Leo O'Donovan, SJ, talks about the compelling contemporary resonances he discerns in a painting by Henry Ossawa Tanner, "The Flight into Egypt."
This is an Audio Extra to Episode 22: Leo O'Donovan, SJ.
 
Original release date: 12/22/2016