University Christian Church

The interior of University Christian embraces modernism more than any other sacred space that we have visited.  Although All Saints reference UT, the UN building, and World War I, the overall feel of the interior was anti-modern and Gothic

            Here in University Christian, although there is still evidence of Gothicism in the pointed arches, the main theme of the interior is decidedly modern.  At the rear of the nave, the windows extolling various good Christian deeds are unmistakably Cubist.  This early 20^th century art movement portrayed abstracted reality composed of geometric shapes.  These windows are obviously modeled after such Cubist works as DuChamp’s “Nude Descending a Staircase.”

            The windows that line the sides of the Nave are based on the ideas the DeStijl and Suprematist movements which emerged in the 1930s.  DeStijl paintings are composed of primary colored squares, black lines, and white boxes.  The goal of the movement is to convey an emotional state to the viewer through geometry and color.  The DeStijl painter Piet Mondrian is a favorite of mine.  Earlier this year I panted a ten-foot tall mural of one of his works on the wall of my room.  I look at it constantly and try to figure out how it makes me feel. 

            In these windows, the color blue is far more prevalent than it is in most DeStijl works.  Although red and yellow boxes are present here, they are small and overpowerd by the blue.mmTo me, the reds and yellows convey more energy and vitality.  I think this sanctuary would feel more alive with more those colors and less of the overpowering blue.

            The largest window in this church is influenced most by Gothicism.  The element of the figural pyramid is obvious here and is a feature of Rennaissance and Gothic times.  It is interesting to note that the disciples are wearing modern garb.  As a non-participant in worship, I find the truer Gothic “old school” sanctuary more beautiful, drastic, and interesting.  However, I think that as a worshipper it would be preferable to incorporate these modern elements with the vestiges of the past.