Art as a visual language in the roman catholic churches a case study of Our Lady of Fatiма Cаtholic Parish Nakulabye

Abstract

The researcher in this chapter presents the introductory part of this case study entitled the art as a visual language in the Roman Catholic Church. The researcher in this chapter presented issue that rose as a result of the study topic, problem statement, objectives and the general study significances. Most religious art is built around themes familiar to the intended observer. One of the most common Christian themes in that of Virgin Mary holding the infant Jesus another is that of Jesus on the cross. For the benefit of the illiterates, an elaborate iconographic system developed to conclusively identify scenes for example St Agnes depicted with a lamb, St Peter with keys, St Patrick with a shamrock. Each saint holds or is associated with attributes and symbols in sacred art F. Thomas Twitter (1987) in his book loving God with one's mind, stated that the common definition is that religious art is an art that depicts biblical themes, such art that is particularly done in earlier centuries but it is still prominent today. Beth Williamson (2001) in his book Christian art a very short introduction, oxford university press suggested these religious art or sacred art is artistic imagery using religious inspiration and motifs and is often intended to uplift the minds to the spirit. Sacred involved the ritual and practical realization within the artist's religious tradition.