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Traveling through the picturesque hillsides of Asturias, Spain, you might stumble upon the breathtaking “Our Lady of Covadonga” shrine and basilica. Nestled within the Picos de Europa National Park, it’s a testament to the country’s rich religious history and architectural prowess. Dating back to the 8th century, the shrine is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, who is believed to have miraculously appeared to King Pelayo during a battle against the Moors. Since then, the site has been a place of pilgrimage for Christians from all over the world, who come to pay their respects and seek spiritual solace. The shrine’s most striking feature is its neo-Romanesque basilica, built in the late 19th century and stands proudly atop a hill overlooking the surrounding valleys. The basilica’s ornate facade is adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures of biblical figures. At the same time, its interior boasts a stunning collection of artwork, including stained glass windows and frescoes depicting scenes from the Bible. But it’s not just the basilica that makes the “Our Lady of Covadonga” shrine so special. The site also features several other buildings and monuments, including a 16th-century cave chapel, a museum showcasing religious artifacts, and a beautiful fountain. Even if you’re not particularly religious, you may be moved by the sense of peace and tranquility that permeated the shrine. At the very least, you’d probably appreciate the beautiful architecture and serene surroundings.
It sounds fantastic. And in its way, it was. But that’s probably not the feeling you’re getting from the above image of the basilica, and it’s certainly not the feeling I strived to evoke. I was going for a darker and more mysterious feeling in the image. Art is not just about what you see. It’s about what you feel, the emotions that the piece brings out in you. The colors, the shapes, the lines, the highlights and shadows and the composition all come together to create a unique experience that is unique to everyone.
While a work may be created with a specific intention and, with the broadest strokes, may influence a general emotion, it is up to the viewer to interpret it in their way. It can evoke joy, sadness, anger, or nostalgia or transport us to another time, place, or even state of mind. Moreover, people’s perceptions of art can change over time. This is because our experiences, societal norms and values are constantly evolving.
When we look at a piece of art, we should take the time to feel it. What emotions does it bring out in us? What memories or experiences does it remind us of? By connecting with our feelings, we can better appreciate the artwork and the artist who created it.
In conclusion, art is a complex and subjective medium that can evoke many emotions and interpretations. It’s essential to understand that each person’s perception of art is unique and valid. So, the next time you view a piece of art, don’t just focus on what you see. Instead, please take a moment to feel it honestly. Allow yourself to be transported by the emotions that it brings out in you. You may be surprised at what you discover.
So why did I render such a wonderous religious monument darkly and mysteriously? Call it an interpretation of darkness associated with so much pain, sorrow and intolerance associated with many religions, both in the past and now.
Note: Interesting comments from my previous post, “Different Doors, Abstracts and Mindfulness,” inspired this post. So don’t think your comments have no impact. 🤔
I have never been to Europe but I would love to someday venture there because of the beautiful architecture and serene surroundings. It has always amazed me how they built in the past and built it to last. Something this century of architecture does not seem to do. When I first read your post it dawned me how I did not spend enough time seeing the image but went quickly to your writing. I like both, your images and words, but too often pass over the image (anybodies image), or any piece of art, to get to the text. I do the art a grave injustice. I need to “feel it” as you mention. I am aware that I want viewers to feel my images also. But, how unfair am I when I don’t spend time letting the image touch me? Thanks for your post, my friend! And, thank you for your “interpretation of darkness associated with so much pain, sorrow and intolerance associated with many religions, both in the past and now.”
Europeans seem to have a much more developed sense of history, which one might expect, and they place a higher value on historical architecture, where we may tend to see things as simply being ‘old’ and of greater worth torn down and newly developed—the all mighty US $dollar. I don’t know if I’ll ever return to Europe, but it was a worthwhile experience. I’m somewhat opposite to you in that I spend much more time initially on the images before moving on to the text. I freely admit I may be somewhat negatively biased about formal religion, which, interestingly enough, was a large part of my childhood experience. 😕