Embodied Faith and the Art of Edward Knippers

“Disembodiment is not an option for the Christian.” This statement by visual artist Edward Knippers is a guiding principle in his work, which features the human body, often in connection with biblical scenes. Disembodiment is not an option for those who believe that human beings are created in God’s image with beautiful bodies, that everything from sin to salvation are embodied experiences, and that God’s redemption comes through the broken and risen body of Jesus. The paintings of Edward Knippers invite us to consider the goodness, brokenness, mystery, and glory of embodiment, urging us to grapple with the temptation to avoid, sexualize, downplay, or disparage bodies along with a fully embodied faith.

The Embodied Faith symposium will gather pastors, artists, educators, art historians, theologians, art appreciators, and others to explore the dynamics of embodiment in the life of faith and in the paintings of Edward Knippers. In addition, the symposium will feature an original dance performance in response to Knippers’ body of work as well as a participatory drum circle. The Knippers exhibit at Gordon-Conwell Seminary in Charlotte will include over two dozen works, including several of his large-scale works that have never been displayed publicly. In keeping with the emphasis on embodiment and the importance of experiencing Knippers’ work in person, there will not be a virtual option for this symposium.

This theology and arts symposium is sponsored by the Leighton Ford Initiative in Theology, the Arts, and Gospel Witness at Gordon-Conwell Theolgoical Seminary.

Speakers and Artists:

Edward Knippers / Edward Knippers is a visual artist who has been a fellow at S. W. Hayter’s Atelier 17 in Paris and was a student in Zao Wou-ki’s painting studio at Oskar Kokoschcka’s School of Vision in Salzburg, Austria. He also was awarded the Prize of Salzburg in printmaking under Otto Eglau. Knippers understood his serious study of the human figure beginning at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and later at the Académie de la Grande Chaumiere in Paris. He holds a Master of fine Arts from the University of Tennessee where he studied under Walter H. Stevens and The Knoxville Seven. His work has been displayed in museums, galleries, and private collections all around the world, and at the center of that work is the human body.

Steve Prince / Director of Engagement and Distinguished Artist in Residence at the Muscarelle Museum of Art at William and Mary University

Natalie Carnes / Professor of Theology and Affiliate Faculty in Women’s and Gender Studies at Baylor University

Bruce Herman / Painter, writer, and speaker

W. David O. Taylor / Associate Professor of Theology and Culture at Fuller Theological Seminary

Rondall Reynoso / Artist and Assistant professor of art and the Art Program Coordinator at Lee University

Kelly Kapic / Professor of Theological Studies at Covenant College

Stephen Roach / Found of The Breath and the Clay and host of the Makers and Mystics podcast

Winfield Bevins / Executive Director of CREO Arts and affilicate professor at Asbury Theological Seminary

Sarah Council / Dancer, choreographer, teaching artist, and director of Sarah Council Dance Projects

David Drum / Social worker and drum circle facilitator

Olaniyi Zainubu / Change coach, diversity consultant, and drum circle facilitator

Schedule

Gallery Opening and Dessert Reception
Friday / 6:30–7:30 p.m.

Welcome, Session 1, and Dance Performance
Friday / 7:30–8:45 p.m.

Sessions 2-4 and Drum Circle
Saturday / 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Lunch (provided) and Workshops
Saturday / 12:00–1:15 p.m.

Sessions 5-7 and Conclusion
Saturday / 1:15–4:00 p.m.