My Favorite 5 Artworks Via 5 Faiths in 2012

ALPHA OMEGA ARTS
By Tahlib

My 5 Favorite works of Art for 5 Faiths in 2012.

1. "The Shambala in Modern Times" (2008) by Gonkar Gyatso, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, MA
2. "Blessed" by Tony Melendez, Indianapolis, IN 
3. "Holi Festival" by Annan Sharon, Bangalore, India 
4.  “The Life of the Shoe” by Samreen Uzzama, Indianapolis (Grade 12). Winner of A&O Youth Prize for 2012
5. "Temple Talismans" by Yona Verwer, NYC

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Celebrate All 12 Days of Christmas, Dec. 25-Jan. 5, 2013

ABOUT.COM | CATHOLICISM
By Scott P. Richert

"Epiphany" (1475-80) By Hieronymus Bosh

We can easily celebrate the Twelve Days of Christmas, which end with the Solemnity of the Epiphany, on January 6. In an important way, Epiphany completes the Christmas feast, because it is the day that we celebrate the fact that Christ came to bring salvation to the Gentiles as well as to the Jews. In some countries, it is customary to give small gifts throughout the twelve days of Christmas. In our family, because we're usually visiting our relatives in another state on Christmas Day, our children open one small gift on each day of Christmas, and then, having returned home, we go to Mass on Epiphany, and open all of our presents that night (after a special dinner). Of course, we keep the Christmas tree up the whole time, play Christmas music, and continue to wish friends and family a Merry Christmas. It's all a wonderful way to draw the joy of Christmas into the New Year--and to draw our children more fully into the beauties of the Catholic Faith. [link]

Dates for 12 Days of Christmas? Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2012 through Saturday, Jan. 5, 2013.

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Leslie Rinchen-Wongmo's Online Ancient Tibetan Spiritual Art Form

KCET | PBS
Meher McArthur

Lotus by Leslie Rinchen-Wongmo

KENTUCKY---This article is the first in an ongoing series that explores the diverse range of artistic influences from Asia in the arts and culture of Southern California. Almost 20 years ago, a young Californian woman Leslie Freilich walked into the atelier of a Tibetan Buddhist artist in the Indian city of Dharamsala and fell in love with the Buddhist image that he was stitching. Now an established artist in this ancient Buddhist textile art, Leslie Rinchen-Wongmo (her artist name) has decided to pass her skills on to others. She does so from a virtual atelier, instructing students all around the world using such modern tools as pdf files, web cams and teleconferencing via Skype. [link]

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11th Day of Christmas ....Fabulous for 2013

ALPHA OMEGA ARTS
By Ernest @DisneyBritton

On the 11th Day of Christmas, there are eleven men in skirts blowing bagpipes but as his gift, Greg unwrapped, a pink Guest of Honor Ribbon which read "Fabulous" with the face of Minney Mouse. For some reason he won't wear the ribbon to work though. I don't understand why not? The other half of the gift is a Gold's Gym Waist Trimmer Belt. Fits up to 50-inch waist, so he has room. [12 Days]

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Hoosier, and Muslim Artist Uzma Mirza Illustrates the 99 Names of God

THE JOURNAL GAZETTE
By Rosa Salter Rodriguez

“Al Fattah (The Opener)” by Uzma Mirza illustrates one of the 99 Names of God.

INDIANA---Uzma Mirza, who has a degree in architecture from Carleton University in Ottawa, Ontario, has practiced with firms in Connecticut, Chicago, Indianapolis and Fort Wayne. The roots of her art, Mirza says, lie in the Arabic calligraphy used for centuries in creating copies of the Quran, the Muslim holy book, and in the religion’s understanding of God. Some of the pieces now on display are embellished calligraphy of verses from the Quran or prayers, while others are her unique representations of the names of God. In Islamic theology, Mirza explains, there is one all-powerful and all-knowing God known as Allah. But Muslims often understand and invoke the deity through what they call the 99 Names of God, with each name describing one of God’s attributes – for example, The Compassionate or The Bringer of Justice. [link]

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Lockerbie Methodist: Historic Downtown Church to Close

THE INDIANAPOLIS STAR
By Will Higgins

INDIANA---The historic Downtown church building that housed a small congregation of Methodists and also the Earth House Collective is closing and will likely be sold. "The building was just too costly," said Brenda Freije, minister of Lockerbie Central United Methodist Church. That, or the congregation was just too small. It had dwindled to only a couple dozen people, and after the closure in August of its affiliate Earth House, keeping the church building no longer made financial sense. [link]

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10th Day of Christmas...Whoopers

ALPHA OMEGA ARTS
By Ernest @DisneyBritton

On the 10th Day of Christmas, a box of Whoppers (the original Malted Milk Balls) and "The Dukes of Hazzard" reunion movie collection. Kind of silly but no worse than 10 Lords a Leaping.  [12 Days]

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INSPIRE ME! Artist, Niccolo Cosme

"My fascination with christian iconography 
started very early. I found myself drawn to the image of the 
Mater Dolorosa, a mother in tears...."

~ NICCOLO COSME

By Ernest Disney-Britton

I am absolutely nuts about this artist! I follow him on Twitter (You should too). I even sent a board member to his NYC show this past August. His conceptual photograph, "The Matriarch" has been my favorite Christmas image for two years running, and his creative talent is overshadowed only by his welcoming spirit and giving personality. Like me, he's also an activist who uses Religious Art to fight injustice and to inspire compassion. Following his art opening in NYC of "Resplendor," one reviewer described it as "a mass-like feel" and following his San Francisco opening another wrote of transforming pain. Since attending his exhibition, our board member, Billy Innabnit has been after me to feature him as an A&O INSPIRE ME! Artist of Month. I am honored to introduce you to Filipino conceptual photographer Niccolo Cosme.

Self Portrait of the Artist (2012)

#1. What is your faith tradition, and where did you develop into an artist who dares to explore/engage religion? I was born and raised Catholic. I practically grew up in the church. I was an altar boy, choir member, church theatre member, my whole life practically evolved around the church, around the passion of Christ which I found very dramatic, overwhelming and very theatrical. My fascination with christian iconography started very early. I found myself drawn to the image of the Mater Dolorosa (top of page: 2010), a mother in tears. She is either looking up or looking down. Her hands are clasped together and she has a dagger pierced through her chest (the others have 7 daggers piercing her heart). Her mouth is slightly open and you can see her teeth and a resplendor (halo) made of brass or silver surrounding her face. This, I found so beautiful and so meaningful it moves me still. So i think it is in this exhibition of heightened emotions that I am greatly attracted to. It just so happens that I see a lot of myself in these iconography because it played a huge role in my formative years.

"Pieta" (2010) by Niccolo Cosme

#2. How do you describe your art? What style or genre is it? I would describe it as hyper realism taking inspiration from Christian and other religious iconography with a touch of eroticism.

Alden & Louise (2012) by Niccolo Cosme

#3. Have you ever had to defend exploring/engaging religious themes? Fortunately I have not really had any overwhelming criticisms towards my works being erotic with touches of Christian iconography, in fact I had received several awards and a lot of different opportunities from having this particular style. Some of my works were even used by the De La Salle University a Catholic University during their 100 years celebration. If there are criticisms about my works, well it has not reached me yet. I would love to hear them though, it would be advantageous to my learning process as an artist. Often times I say in referring to creating conceptual art, you need to satisfy yourself first before you can satisfy others, and for me visual art should be sensual, it should be able to touch and tickle those who view it.

"Alone: Cross" (2010) by Niccolo Cosme

#4. What do your collectors say about your work? Most of them tell me that they can feel my pain in my artwork. It speaks to them. That is why they were drawn into keeping a piece or two. I think it is with pain that I can definitely connect with my viewers most especially those who have gone through a lot of struggles and pain. For most of them, it has also become therapeutic. I think it is powerful when your art becomes more than just an art, but a medium, a source of strength for them.

"Paradise" (2011) by Niccolo Cosme

#5. Who would you like to collect your work, and why? I definitely like to keep a personal connection with those who keep my artworks around the globe. It makes me feel alive and relevant as an artist. And keeping this connection with them is integral to my learning process as an artist.

Detail of "San Sebastian" (2012) by Niccolo Cosme

#6. What other artists have influenced your style? Artists Pierre et Gilles came in my life when I was in my early 20's. I stumbled upon their works at my best friend's studio who is also a photographer. He has a book showcasing the different works of Pierre et Gilles, and I was completely amazed and inspired. I thought to myself, these guys are geniuses! Creating works like that during the time when photoshop was not even a spark of reality. They were able to present eroticism, social commentary, and sometimes political views together with Christian iconography in a whole new level of consciousness. It offended a part of me but at the same time I was aroused so I guess it was really something else.

"Jesus" by Pierre et Gilles

#7. How can A&O members collect your work? Several of my works are available in the United States. Interested individuals may contact me via email at niccolo.cosme(at)gmail.com and may also check my website at www.niccolo-cosme.com.

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Solo Show: Elke Reva Sudin's ‘We Are Patriarchs’ at Hadas Gallery, Brooklyn

ALPHA OMEGA ARTS
By Ernest O. Britton

"Israel, his wives, and the 12 Tribes"

NEW YORK--- Hadas Gallery presents the world premiere of "We Are Patriarchs," the new painting series from Elke Reva Sudin. The exhibition evokes the legacy of Biblical characters and archetypes drawing them into the 21st Century with contemporary oil portraits that suggest classical European master painters by way of Anglo-Japanese Japonisme, and graffiti street art.  The 15 new works on display reflect a multi-cultural melting pot of global Jewry which has become a trademark theme for Sudin's work. Each image is a representation of a prominent figure from the Hebrew tradition, leaders in their time who continue to inspire Jews, Christians, and others too. [Facebook]

Hadas Gallery: "We Are Patriarchs" (Jan. 13 – Feb. 24, 2013), 541 Myrtle Ave Brooklyn, NYC.  Opening Reception: Sunday, January 13, 4:30-7pm. Artist Lecture: Wednesday, February 06, 7pm. 

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Top 10 Audiences for Alpha Omega Arts

ALPHA OMEGA ARTS
By Tahlib

While it should come as no suprise that most readers of our blog, Alpha Omega Arts come from the United States. What may surprise you is where the others originate. That's why we've listed the Top 2012 audiences for Alpha Omega Arts below:

1. United States  
2. United Kingdom 
3. Russia 
4. Canada  
5. France 
6. Germany 
7. India 
8. Turkey 
9. Philippines 
10. Australia 

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9th Day of Christmas 2012-2013

ALPHA OMEGA ARTS
By Ernest @DisneyBritton

On the 9th Day of Christmas, I returned back to the art gallery and Greg returned to his job as well. For his gift, he selected the gift-wrapped present of wood samples for the down stairs floor. I guess there is a connection between 9 ladies dancing and wood floors. Right?  [link]

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Movie Review: "Django Unchained"

THE LOS ANGELES TIMES 
By Betsey Sharkey

★★★---Here is the particular brilliance of Quentin Tarantino: He can rip a horrific page out of history — for his latest, "Django Unchained," slavery in the antebellum South — put it through his favorite grindhouse mill, kick in biting comedy whose sheer audacity and searing irony demands laughter, and yet ... and yet ... never for a moment diminish or let us forget the brutal reality. What the writer-director did so caustically to Nazis in 2009's "Inglourious Basterds" — scalping (literally) and roasting (comically) — was apparently just a warm-up. In "Django," Tarantino is a man unchained, creating his most articulate, intriguing, provoking, appalling, hilarious, exhilarating, scathing and downright entertaining film yet. [link]

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Movie Review: "Parental Guidance"

TICKET SARASOTA
By Christopher

★★---Warm and schmaltzy, “Parental Guidance” is the movie equivalent of comfort food. It’s funny and warmhearted, not terribly ambitious, but it does the things it sets out to do well. Billy Crystal and Bette Midler star as young-ish grandparents struggling to reconnect with their grandkids while watching over them for a week. They’re a winning onscreen match, trading a few snipes but with strong base of love and affection underneath. It seemed like just yesterday Crystal was a romantic leading man, and now he’s riffing as a Borsch Belt grandpa. Yes, “Parental Guidance” is pretty forgettable wholesome entertainment. But this is an amiable family-friendly comedy with an impish streak — a bear hug coupled with a few head noogies. [link]

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New Year's Resolution, January 1, 2013

ALPHA OMEGA ARTS
By Ernest @DisneyBritton

My New Year's resolution is to be more loving. I don't know how it will work out as I have been quite loving up to now with some diastrous, or at least misunderstood, results.  Anyhomw, I will try even more love and I will let you know what happens. So far so good. But it is only 1pm. [Resolutions!]

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8th Day of Christmas 2012-2013

ALPHA OMEGA ARTS
By Ernest @DisneyBritton

On the 8th Day of Christmas, we slept late. Greatest New Year's Eve ever! We hung-out with the bowling guys (6 of us) and had a silly-string duel at midnight following lots of...well, merriment. In the late morning, Greg opened his 8th day gift---3 canisters of Clorox cleaner for the Clean Freak of the Year! [12 Days]

L-to-R: Greg, Dennis, Derrick, Jim, Ernest

L-to-R: Scott, Dennis, Derrick, Jim, Ernest

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2012 Basement of Shame: Louisiana State University

ALPHA OMEGA ARTS
By Tahlib

LOUISIANA---Officials at Louisiana State University are the 2012 inductees in the A&O Basement of Shame for airbrushing off the crosses painted on the bodies of sports fans. Alpha Omega Arts opposes censorship of religious-themed works whether the constraint uses legal or social methods against controversial works of religious-themed art. 

Past Inductees in the Basement of Shame:

• 2012 Shamers: Louisiansa State University for airbrushing off "crosses" from sports fan bodies
• 2011 Shamers: Atheists vs. Nativity Sets
• 2010 Shamers: Congressmen John Boehner and Eric Cantor vs. Smithsonian
• 2009 Shamers: The Catholic Leaque vs. PETA
• 2008 Shamers: The Pope vs. a Frog.

The Basement of Shame was founded in 2008 to shame those who censor Religious Artistic Freedom, regardless of their motivation.

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