At first glance, some of the work in Life Lines may appear to be little more than squiggly, scribbled lines. When looking at the series by Sol LeWitt, some may think, “Anyone can do that.” Others may be bemused by Jean Dubuffet’s Banque de L’Hourloupe cartes à jouer et à tirer and wonder if a deck of cards can actually be considered fine art. The loops and whorls of LeWitt’s and Dubuffet’s works stand in stark contrast to the symmetry and careful construction found in Vasarely’s Zoeld Red/Blue. As guests ponder these pieces, our hope is that the way they view and experience the art will begin to change. Through the practice of contemplative beholding, the response, “I can do that” may give way to the recognition, “I am that.”
Life Lines is the first in a series of object labs focusing on contemplative encounters with art and religion. We invite visitors to linger, to ponder and to take their time. These are not pieces to be hastily looked at. Try to approach each work as a potential site—perhaps even a sacred site—where the beholder can, through the practice of beholding, discover oneself being beheld. It may help to recall the adage, “God writes straight with crooked lines.” Life seldom unfolds according to any clear plan and, in the chaos and confusion, we can feel wholly out of alignment. But if we take the time to reflect, we may notice that a pattern emerges, albeit a pattern not of our own making or design.
Life Lines was curated by Lynne Shumow, Haggerty Museum Curator for Academic Engagement, with assistance from intern Bridget Neugent. The exhibition was created in collaboration with Fr. Ryan G. Duns, S.J., Ph.D., Associate Professor and Chair of Marquette’s Department of Theology, with Fr. Duns’s Contemplation and Action class in mind. Students in the class will visit the exhibition regularly throughout the semester to engage in contemplative beholding exercises.
Support for this exhibition is generously provided by Lilly Endowment Inc. and Dr. Mary Anne Siderits.
