Abstract

Contemporary art is a challenge for the Catholic Church. In general, religion uses art to teach and astonish the faithful, but contemporary art, more than ever, cannot be a tool for anything other than the subjective, individual appreciation of beauty. This does not exclude the Church from influencing the artist for its own purpose, but the value of the work of art is inevitably reflected in the market and market values are secular, separating art from the artist's (and the Church's) intentions. Thus, the Church participates in art shows (such as the Venice Biennale), collects, buys, and sells with the purpose of selecting what, in effect, reflects its faith, thus indirectly influencing the artists and the market, while spreading its message.