Jesus appears perturbed. In Albert Van den Berghen’s Ecce Homo (c. 1886-1889), on view in Making Strange: Sacred Imagery and the Self, Christ narrows his eyes, surveying those clamoring for his crucifixion. This is not the patient stoicism believers have come to expect.

Which is exactly the point. "Making Strange," a term coined by Temple University art historian Marcia Hall, refers to artists’ expression of divergent views through the distortion of sacred images, thereby deepening viewers’ engagement, a movement that originated during the Counter-Reformation (1545-1648). Curated by Han McCoy of PAFA, the exhibition surveys the technique across time, cultures, and faith traditions, as embodied in work from PAFA’s collection and produced through its Brodsky Center for Papermaking and Printmaking.

Leave assumptions at the door.

Visitors are meant to take their time, view closely, and see what’s actually shown, rather than what they expect. Helpful handouts offer guidance on elements to seek out and questions to ask."

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Read the full article "Spiritual art … with a twist—PAFA presents Making Strange: Sacred Imagery and the Self," online at broadstreetreview.com by Pamela J. Forsythe (Broad Street Review, Dec 02, 2024).

Featured Image: Installation view of wall label for the exhibition of Making Strange: Sacred Imagery and the Self, November 7, 2024. Photo by Jade Alderman.