She's intelligent, that's what we need. When speaking of prayer and the Faith she does what Christian clergy should do but hardly ever actually do; she starts with Jesus. The only other clergyman I know of who does so is Pope Francis.
I agree. I'm not religious and don't care for a lot of Catholic policy, but I have nothing but the utmost respect and admiration for Sister Wendy. She is truly spiritual and selfless and just amazing! I love her!
I love Sister Wendy and her discussions on art. And this one shows how deep she views and thinks about like. Her views on nudity and human sexuality. If only more people were as open and pure.
It is very refreshing to me, to see someone with such a deep passion and faith, to have such a non-negative view of sexuality and the human body. In fact, that was so positive. I was completely blown away!
She is so inspiring, witty, insightful, honest, and unpretentious. What an art critic! And what a refreshing presence to encounter nowadays. I always feel enriched after listening to what she has to say.
I used to wonder when one would ask "if you could have dinner with anyone alive or passed, who would you choose?" I have since, upon finding Sister Wendy, decided it would likely be her. She is touched by the divine, and she finds the outrage and misunderstanding almost humorous and very beautifully, and lovingly swats away his silly questions. He is the personification of RELIGION gone wrong, while she is the personification of the higher vibration of the SPIRITUALLY DIVINE. She embodies Christ more than any other religious person I have ever met in my life. I just love her!
This was actually a good Interview . Sister Wendy has a brilliant mind . She acknowledged and said she understood the " Piss Christ " but wouldn't say it was a great work of Art but knows that has to be left up to Posterity. She simply stated that it achieved its objective and that she wasn't offended by it and understood its theme. If anyone has seen the movie Off Limits by Willem Dafoe , it does show that there some people devoted to the Christian Faith don't isolate themselves from the sordid goings on of the world and work to bring about a better world without soiling themselves. The character in the movie was a Nun.
@Gabon Sansworth whats up with you. All you no chill christians are always saying satan did it if you dont like it. (Yes i am an atheist and i dont care if im going to "hell")
She really is one of my favourite human beings. I almost wish I believed in God, so I could think that one day she would receive some sort of divine reward for being so awesome.
@@imachickengirl - for some, faith must sustain them, for others, an internal dialogue with something supernatural confirms the reality of God. Of course, others can’t confirm that but, for those feeling it, it can’t be subdued.
Bill Moyers is the biggest prude ever! He's so offended that this nun has a more liberal idea of sexuality than himself. Sister Wendy was my way into understanding art, she is amazing
I think you got it wrong, Moyers is an agent of the cathedral media, he's a lib saying these things to try and troll the trad sensibilities of a Nun, but sister Wendy is too sharp for that.
Why not post the ending of the interview? Sister Wendy: "That's the point of [solitude]. You're there to be with God. That's why solitude is not loneliness. Loneliness is needy. It wants. Solitude is fulfillment. It has."
I am not a person of faith particularly... but I love Sister Wendy. I've watched her show and read some of her writing. She makes me realize that there are still people with genuine faith in a world of platitudes and fanaticism. Mostly religion makes me upset. Sister Wendy makes me feel calm.
she has amazing brain..taling about art...explains..soul psyche...humanity....she is a nun..but she is a human being..and she is more human than a Christian nun....and that's what she proclaims
These have to be among the greatest words ever uttered on world television; "And her hair, he's a bit unconvincing about her head hair, but the pubic hair is lovely and fluffy" SISTER WENDY BECKETT of Stanley Spencer's _Self-portrait with Patricia Preece_
I not a fan of the Catholic church ( i am catholic) but I still really like nuns. I have never yet met one that I didn't love on sight. I absolutely love to listen to Sister Wendy.I don't care that she believes some things I don't, she's still wonderful at what she does.
C'est très rafraîchissant pour moi de voir quelqu'un avec une passion et une foi aussi profondes, d'avoir une vision aussi non négative de la sexualité et du corps humain. En fait, c'était tellement positif. J'ai été complètement bluffé !
I love Sister Wendy - Rest in Peace, Amazing Lady! Piss Christ and other art similar to it, is possibly artist effort to communicate insight into the horror of crucifixion . Or maybe the artist portraying the immersion into evil of Jesus' Miracle for us. - there was NOTHING pretty or artful about Our Lord's hideous experience. When we look at piss christ we are offended, horrified - it's gross! So was the crucifixion - the artist is maybe trying to communicate truth. Jesus had to have a horrible public death, a definitely verifiable death, or the Resurrection would have meant nothing - just another trick. Even Jesus Christ Superstar just tells us that - Jesus' death a horror show that validates the Resurrection and therefore justifies , "Truly He was the Son of God"
I am writing this during a time in America where young people are pulling down statues and representations of the past and I was recently asked if the response should be to pulling down the statues cherished by the left (In this specific example a statue of Lenin) and I thought of this interview and Sister Wendy's insight on "Piss Christ" While I may not like what the statue is meant to represent, as a piece of art I am free to take my own interpretation and it's reminder of our shared past, no piece of art should be torn down by a mob and I am thankful I have this marvelous woman's influence inform my life. I wish I could share it with everyone.
Apart from her great knowledge of art and her enlightening explanations of it, she is a dear, a true christian who is ready to try a favourable interpretation of a so called work of art of a so called artist. In my opinion it is absolutely disgusting to submerge a crucifix into piss.
I'm reading her book, and decided to look her up, because i never heard of her prior. but she conducts a great unbiased interview. look forward to reading her book
Wow, thank you very much for introducing Michael Parkinson to me. I absolutely love watching British shows, especially those on the BBC, but I've never heard of him before. I will definitely check his shows out! Many thanks! :)
Serrano isn't trying to drum up attention for himself. Piss Christ was an articulate attempt to sum up the lack of religious faith in the late 80's. Serrano pushed the boundaries of what was considered tasteful and the back lash from Jesse Helms and the conservative party was anything but casual. This is what real art does, it fires up the emotions and it brings you front and center of what people believe in.
Yes, enlightenment thru contemplation on art does not have to be about following a particular religion. At its core, every good spiritual practice is about being present. That she has used art to facilitate this is what I love best about her.
You do have a point there. I agree that it could very well have been that reason for him to ask challenging questions. He may be asking questions that the majority of people are actually thinking but too afraid to ask. However, I still can't help to feel frustrated, listening to him at times. It was the same when he interviewed Joseph Campbell too. But you're right, he certainly does give insightful interviews.
This is fascinating! This is the very first time I've heard of Sister Wendy, from a reference Julia Sweeney made in her "Letting go of God" presentation. That's what got me here. I am enjoying the nun's brilliance in appreciation of art. Anyway, I have a question. Around 2:25, 2:26, 2:27, the Sister is responding to Moyers' question "What makes a great painting"? Sister Wendy says it's a [something inaudible] reaction... I am unfamiliar with the word she uses. Is it French? What does it mean?
Most people today piss on Christ because we feel like we dont need Him anymore. We are to preoccupied in our modern age, with all the technology and entertainment to e bothered with the spiritual realm. Such major advances in medicine to cure us when we used to rely on God.
The church has to be clear on what is held sacred and holy . She fails to mention weather that cross was blessed or not . She fails to mention the word modesty . I am am a fine art artist . Believe me it demands total concentration . Similar to a surgeon . Theres nothing sensual about it . Doctors do not look on the patients body in a sexual way . Artists are seaking to capture beauty in line form . Theres a creeping insanity in the church . Even a muslim could tell that that vile p. christ work is blasphemous . God help us all .
Wasn’t this artist paid $20k to create art? He pocketed the $20k and placed the crucifix in urine. Where is the artistic skill in this crude, vulgar presentation? This disgusting excuse for art provokes by mocking God. It violates the commandment to honor God. The spiritual works of mercy are acts of charity that admonish and correct the sinner. Did the pope provide this instruction when he received this artist? Today, it is common to hear God’s name taken in vain. Upon hearing, we quietly say a word of praise to God, in reparations…A long time ago a huge giant tried to provoke the Hebrews by mocking God. Most were afraid of the giant’s armour and physical prowess. A young man would not accept this mockery and accepted the giant’s challenge… We all need to improve, but mocking God is sinful. We say a prayer for this and all the artists.
As I already said, the picture was exhibited as part of a series. His intentions were explicitly conveyed in writing as part of his artistic statement BEFORE the so-called criticism ever happened. The "public" did not respond to the photo itself, but to the media reports that deliberately misrepresented it. If what the actual creator of a piece of art has to say about his own work is irrelevant, then obviously the opinion of everyone who DIDN'T create it is even MORE meaningless...
My perspective on Piss Christ is that submerging the crucifix in urine does not denigrate Jesus, but humanizes him. The dehumanization of anyone, whether turning someone into a god or a maggot, makes them unrelatable. It is the inability to relate to someone as a fellow human being that makes that person easier to denigrate or harm, and more difficult to empathize with or love. I can relate to an imperfect flesh and blood and piss Jesus. I cannot relate to some perfect and untainted entity.
What she says is "...it's a kind of "suck-it-and-see" reaction". This is an English expression meaning to try something to find out if it will be successful. Hope this helps.
She was fantastic in the interview without doubt. Though I wonder if it was because of her insight and annunciation that Bill felt he could ask more challenging questions. I submit that if Sister Wendy wasn't so expert, that he may have backed off to avoid pinning her back to the wall. 3:36 Bill sits back in his chair smiling at her genius, and a few seconds later totally accepts her argument. I think he has a lot of respect for her.
this woman is amazing. At a time when analytic criticism of the actual making and form of the painting, rather than concept and image, has collapsed in the art world, it is a catholic nun who is resuscitating it. It is like something out of Dostoevsky!
I love how Bill Moyers can't seem to believe that a nun could possibly be comfortable with sexuality. It seems a sign of the present age that those who are most uncomfortable with sex are the ones going around calling everyone prudes...
Bill is smart but his way of thinking is very "far left" politically and people on the far left of the spectrum don't understand people very well. liberals like Bill like to believe they are on a higher plane than others and everyone around them is ape like and a simpleton. It's hard for left wingers to accept that someone like a nun would be ok with a cross in piss or the idea of sex. liberals put non-liberals in very small, circumscribed boxes.
Patrick3183 Correction. People put people in boxes. Just as you have done. Bill Moyers asks her about these questions because he's a journalist on a TV show and he knows that people want to know these answers too. Not because he's a liberal, but because he knows his audience wants to hear.
I'm an atheist and I tend to be rather disdainful of Christianity; Wendy was recommended to me for a laugh by an atheist friend; but I have to say, having watched this video - this woman gets it.
The artist said of my analysis "finally someone gets it". These people wait until they see someone else's ideas float and then heap it on themselves like they discovered it. Its more important to build their position than to recognize the originator. This way they look like the sensitive and seeing ones. "The words of the prophets are written on subway walls and tenement halls"
It says a great deal about our culture that Bill Moyers clearly and simply can't get his head around the idea of anyone appreciating and admiring sexuality without feeling it himself or herself. He patently doesn't understand what Beckett is saying and she must think he's not terribly intelligent although too polite to say so
Interesting... I was looking up the D-Beat band and I stumbled across this (I'm somewhat familiar with Serrano's work, but the punk band is considerably more fun). Anyway, she's a a smart lady and certainly fun to listen to.
Sister Wendy has the proper take on morality. I'd go so far as to say that she has a genius level understanding of it. She's a nun - despite her genius.
Andrew C. "suck it and see" reaction. It's an English expression that basically translates to 'to determine what you think of something, try it out'. I.e. to determine how good the spaghetti is at a restaurant you could ask other diners or visit Urbanspoon... or you could simply order it and discover for yourself!
Sister Wendy handled all of Bill Moyer's questions with such grace and sophistication. I was at times very frustrated at some of his questions, which were, in my point of view, in very bad taste. I certainly would not have had the patience she had, as he seemed to be asking questions not in an impartial way, but was actually quite opinionated.
What a bright and intelligent woman. An open mind and understanding what goes on in life. As she has chosen to serve the god she believes in and has great respect for all human actions and behaviours. On the same level as any great philosopher, but not taken seriously due to her cloak? I'd like to meet her and have some interesting discussions!
I think most religious people, certainly most Catholics, are of Sister Wendy's mind; they understand, for instance, that human sexuality is a beautiful gift of the creator. Which, of course, is a doctrine that FAR predates Vatican II, and every other council for that matter. As far as "Pisschrist" is concerned, I appreciate her point; depending both on the intention of the author and the attitude of the viewer, it may or may not be blasphemous...
Good luck destroying a photograph that has been, and can be again, reproduced innumerable times. Your spirit of Christ-like compassion will surely inspire millions.
I’m annoyed by Moyers insistence that there is something prurient in her intentions, and his almost adolescent pursuit of the supposition that she measures her speech by what people might think. This interview could have been so much better without that slant.
I don't agree. How else could he have gotten her to encapsulate her very insightful point of view? People commenting on these videos don't seem to be able to understand interviewing techniques at all. He suggests that nuns must surely be prudish and that they must surely be admonitory about Sister Wendy's comments. Result = Sister Wendy says "No, because....." which is exactly what he wanted to hear. The way to get an eloquent explanation or defence of a position is to assert the opposite position as fact.
I agree. He's good, but not an amazing interviewer. He has a slightly condescending bedside manner, and his questions toe the line. Michael Parkinson is probably my favorite interviewer as he is able to use his charm to ask questions most of us wouldn't dare, but generally without the interviewee taking offense. In any case, Sister Wendy was took Bill's questions in her stride, and I found her answers fascinating.
I guess Bill Moyer made sure the final piece of the interview is not shown because as he tries to hit her with the question-"Aren't you lonely?"Sister Wendy"That's the point of solitude.You're there to be with God. That's why solitude is not loneliness. Loneliness is needy. It wants. Solitude is fulfillment.It lives". Atheists are all guilty of the first deadly sin:Pride-thinking wrongly they don't need a God in their life, they'll be their own director, producer and writer of their life and meanwhile pornography rages on with age of 11 being the time someone first views it
Which is worse, someone with something to say but unable to find anyone prepared to listen, or a willing listener unable to find someone with something to say? With Serrano as speaker and the sad, sorry, PC Wendy as his willing ‘listener’, we have someone with nothing to say to a listener unable to hear - a remarkable non-achievement fit for our pernicious times! Well done Andres! Well done Wendy! A true act of piss-artist genius!
When she says there is nothing wrong with nudity it means that she does not look at it with lust! She looks at it in an innocent way. Also the human body can display beauty. It's God's creation.
_"He's a bit unconvincing about her head hair, but her pubic hair is lovely and fluffy"_ Sister Wendy Beckett on Stanley Spencer; _Self-Portrait with Patricia Preece_ _The Story of Painting_ for BBC TV
He was probably just an artist that won a fellowship - a contest - that had public money involved... It is not usually part of the process to censor an artist based on subject manner. The committee that funded the Piss Christ artist thought he was a quality artist. Perhaps, he was not so great, but this is just art with a religious subject, title, not a religion. If you censor art based on subject you are likely to eliminate much art. No sex, No violence, no... no.... no.... no
I believe that one can look at "Piss Christ" and see a perfect metaphor for the sacrifice of God. Jesus, God, immerses himself in the muck and mire of human life in order to share his grace with people. Am I the only one who sees this possible meaning? And I am not suggesting this is intentional on the artist's part, but the work itself does suggest this nobler interpretation if you think about it. It is a visually beautiful image if you allow yourself to look.
This nun has an open frank attitude we could all do with having. The Catholic Church needs more like her.
No we don't. Thanks.
She's intelligent, that's what we need. When speaking of prayer and the Faith she does what Christian clergy should do but hardly ever actually do; she starts with Jesus.
The only other clergyman I know of who does so is Pope Francis.
@@ecclesiaxxi6210 Get off your high horse.
What we need is a Reconquista.
I agree. I'm not religious and don't care for a lot of Catholic policy, but I have nothing but the utmost respect and admiration for Sister Wendy. She is truly spiritual and selfless and just amazing! I love her!
I love Sister Wendy and her discussions on art. And this one shows how deep she views and thinks about like. Her views on nudity and human sexuality. If only more people were as open and pure.
It is very refreshing to me, to see someone with such a deep passion and faith, to have such a non-negative view of sexuality and the human body. In fact, that was so positive. I was completely blown away!
She is so inspiring, witty, insightful, honest, and unpretentious. What an art critic! And what a refreshing presence to encounter nowadays. I always feel enriched after listening to what she has to say.
I used to wonder when one would ask "if you could have dinner with anyone alive or passed, who would you choose?" I have since, upon finding Sister Wendy, decided it would likely be her. She is touched by the divine, and she finds the outrage and misunderstanding almost humorous and very beautifully, and lovingly swats away his silly questions. He is the personification of RELIGION gone wrong, while she is the personification of the higher vibration of the SPIRITUALLY DIVINE. She embodies Christ more than any other religious person I have ever met in my life. I just love her!
Sister Wendy is such a deep thinker. "It's so comforting to know I'm right."
This was actually a good Interview . Sister Wendy has a brilliant mind . She acknowledged and said she understood the " Piss Christ " but wouldn't say it was a great work of Art but knows that has to be left up to Posterity. She simply stated that it achieved its objective and that she wasn't offended by it and understood its theme. If anyone has seen the movie Off Limits by Willem Dafoe , it does show that there some people devoted to the Christian Faith don't isolate themselves from the sordid goings on of the world and work to bring about a better world without soiling themselves. The character in the movie was a Nun.
What a woman, what a mind, what a fine spirit!
What a woman and fine spirit? A Catholic nun who puts the perversity of humanity before the First Commandment?
@Gabon Sansworth whats up with you. All you no chill christians are always saying satan did it if you dont like it. (Yes i am an atheist and i dont care if im going to "hell")
She really is one of my favourite human beings. I almost wish I believed in God, so I could think that one day she would receive some sort of divine reward for being so awesome.
I'm a positive atheist and a fan of Sister Wendy, my favourite art critic.
How could you be so ignorant and know for sure there is nothing out there
@@alancantu2557 I really don't want to start a fight, but how do you know there IS a divine being out there?
@@imachickengirl - for some, faith must sustain them, for others, an internal dialogue with something supernatural confirms the reality of God. Of course, others can’t confirm that but, for those feeling it, it can’t be subdued.
I love her so much, as an atheist. I love your comment.
Bill Moyers is the biggest prude ever! He's so offended that this nun has a more liberal idea of sexuality than himself. Sister Wendy was my way into understanding art, she is amazing
Really?? Did I miss something, or are you battling comprehension, he was merely posing the questions without judgement or disdain!!
I think you got it wrong, Moyers is an agent of the cathedral media, he's a lib saying these things to try and troll the trad sensibilities of a Nun, but sister Wendy is too sharp for that.
gio penn not troll, more like devils advocate it’s the job of an interviewer
Jorge Borrani fuck off
lol.....Moyers worked for JFK murder suspect & CIA tool LBJ
A balance of faith and further intellect. Someone grant this woman a Nobel Prize.
RIP a legend.
"It would never have entered my mind to be shocked." I love her.
I really enjoyed this. 5 stars. Please do post more. I am fascinated by Sister Wendy!
Why not post the ending of the interview?
Sister Wendy: "That's the point of [solitude]. You're there to be with God. That's why
solitude is not loneliness. Loneliness is needy. It wants. Solitude is
fulfillment. It has."
Where did you see the end of the interview?
I had recorded the show off of TV on VHS tape some 20 years ago.
I am not a person of faith particularly... but I love Sister Wendy. I've watched her show and read some of her writing. She makes me realize that there are still people with genuine faith in a world of platitudes and fanaticism. Mostly religion makes me upset. Sister Wendy makes me feel calm.
Sister's description of sexuality and chastity is magnificent! She warmed by heart!
Thank you for posting these videos with Sister Wendy.
she has amazing brain..taling about art...explains..soul psyche...humanity....she is a nun..but she is a human being..and she is more human than a Christian nun....and that's what she proclaims
I just like listening to her talk
One must always turn to the wonderful Sister Wendy for intelligent and provocative discourse, as well as enlightenment on Art.
I am surprised and gratified that she reacted in this manner.
She is so feminine and so powerful. Go, Girl!
I love and miss Sister Wendy 😢 💕
These have to be among the greatest words ever uttered on world television;
"And her hair, he's a bit unconvincing about her head hair, but the pubic hair is lovely and fluffy"
SISTER WENDY BECKETT
of Stanley Spencer's _Self-portrait with Patricia Preece_
I not a fan of the Catholic church ( i am catholic) but I still really like nuns. I have never yet met one that I didn't love on sight. I absolutely love to listen to Sister Wendy.I don't care that she believes some things I don't, she's still wonderful at what she does.
I seriously love this woman, wow.
Sister Wendy is awesome. :) I love all of her videos, and it is great to listen to her here.
C'est très rafraîchissant pour moi de voir quelqu'un avec une passion et une foi aussi profondes, d'avoir une vision aussi non négative de la sexualité et du corps humain. En fait, c'était tellement positif. J'ai été complètement bluffé !
I love Sister Wendy - Rest in Peace, Amazing Lady!
Piss Christ and other art similar to it, is possibly artist effort to communicate insight into the horror of crucifixion .
Or maybe the artist portraying the immersion into evil of Jesus' Miracle for us.
- there was NOTHING pretty or artful about Our Lord's hideous experience. When we look at piss christ we are offended, horrified - it's gross! So was the crucifixion - the artist is maybe trying to communicate truth.
Jesus had to have a horrible public death, a definitely verifiable death, or the Resurrection would have meant nothing - just another trick. Even Jesus Christ Superstar just tells us that - Jesus' death a horror show that validates the Resurrection and therefore justifies , "Truly He was the Son of God"
I am writing this during a time in America where young people are pulling down statues and representations of the past and I was recently asked if the response should be to pulling down the statues cherished by the left (In this specific example a statue of Lenin) and I thought of this interview and Sister Wendy's insight on "Piss Christ" While I may not like what the statue is meant to represent, as a piece of art I am free to take my own interpretation and it's reminder of our shared past, no piece of art should be torn down by a mob and I am thankful I have this marvelous woman's influence inform my life. I wish I could share it with everyone.
She describes art the same way David Attenborough describes wildlife, with insight and openness to diversity and reality. I greatly admire them both.
I love her explication. Hands down, best one I've heard.
very dope!! altho my ears are still slightly suffering from that unexpected static at the end lol
Apart from her great knowledge of art and her enlightening explanations of it, she is a dear, a true christian who is ready to try a favourable interpretation of a so called work of art of a so called artist. In my opinion it is absolutely disgusting to submerge a crucifix into piss.
How is it that Holy Men or Women always have this peaceful, sereneness in their voice/charisma, which calms you down no matter how troubled you are?
I'm reading her book, and decided to look her up, because i never heard of her prior. but she conducts a great unbiased interview. look forward to reading her book
Wow, thank you very much for introducing Michael Parkinson to me. I absolutely love watching British shows, especially those on the BBC, but I've never heard of him before. I will definitely check his shows out!
Many thanks! :)
What a delight Sister Wendy is. I am learning so much from her.
Serrano isn't trying to drum up attention for himself. Piss Christ was an articulate attempt to sum up the lack of religious faith in the late 80's. Serrano pushed the boundaries of what was considered tasteful and the back lash from Jesse Helms and the conservative party was anything but casual. This is what real art does, it fires up the emotions and it brings you front and center of what people believe in.
6:56: The interviewer displays his unsophisticated viewpoint. He nearly loses his attempts at objectivity.
"More to come"? This was more than 2 months ago. More Sister Wendy, please!
Yes, enlightenment thru contemplation on art does not have to be about following a particular religion. At its core, every good spiritual practice is about being present. That she has used art to facilitate this is what I love best about her.
You do have a point there. I agree that it could very well have been that reason for him to ask challenging questions. He may be asking questions that the majority of people are actually thinking but too afraid to ask.
However, I still can't help to feel frustrated, listening to him at times. It was the same when he interviewed Joseph Campbell too.
But you're right, he certainly does give insightful interviews.
thank you, sister wendy - you inspire!
This is fascinating! This is the very first time I've heard of Sister Wendy, from a reference Julia Sweeney made in her "Letting go of God" presentation. That's what got me here. I am enjoying the nun's brilliance in appreciation of art. Anyway, I have a question. Around 2:25, 2:26, 2:27, the Sister is responding to Moyers' question "What makes a great painting"? Sister Wendy says it's a [something inaudible] reaction... I am unfamiliar with the word she uses. Is it French? What does it mean?
this woman is so deep
Most people today piss on Christ because we feel like we dont need Him anymore. We are to preoccupied in our modern age, with all the technology and entertainment to e bothered with the spiritual realm. Such major advances in medicine to cure us when we used to rely on God.
great stuff, thank you for posting.
The church has to be clear on what is held sacred and holy . She fails to mention weather that cross was blessed or not .
She fails to mention the word modesty .
I am am a fine art artist . Believe me it demands total concentration . Similar to a surgeon . Theres nothing sensual about it . Doctors do not look on the patients body in a sexual way . Artists are seaking to capture beauty in line form .
Theres a creeping insanity in the church . Even a muslim could tell that that vile p. christ work is blasphemous .
God help us all .
Wasn’t this artist paid $20k to create art? He pocketed the $20k and placed the crucifix in urine. Where is the artistic skill in this crude, vulgar presentation? This disgusting excuse for art provokes by mocking God. It violates the commandment to honor God. The spiritual works of mercy are acts of charity that admonish and correct the sinner. Did the pope provide this instruction when he received this artist? Today, it is common to hear God’s name taken in vain. Upon hearing, we quietly say a word of praise to God, in reparations…A long time ago a huge giant tried to provoke the Hebrews by mocking God. Most were afraid of the giant’s armour and physical prowess. A young man would not accept this mockery and accepted the giant’s challenge… We all need to improve, but mocking God is sinful. We say a prayer for this and all the artists.
I like how she speaks of the true philosophy of religious beliefs in day to day life . 📖
🐈Catholic: A person addicted to cats
I find Piss Christ to be hauntingly beautiful actually.
You should try "Piss Rabbi" see how that goes.
Same. It takes something we've sanitized and plasticized and made mass produced and adds the shock and the viscera and the bodily nature back into it
@@woden20
It's not the same thing.
We still need to look at postmodern art with an elevated but humble minded way just like Sister Wendy.
As I already said, the picture was exhibited as part of a series. His intentions were explicitly conveyed in writing as part of his artistic statement BEFORE the so-called criticism ever happened. The "public" did not respond to the photo itself, but to the media reports that deliberately misrepresented it. If what the actual creator of a piece of art has to say about his own work is irrelevant, then obviously the opinion of everyone who DIDN'T create it is even MORE meaningless...
and people are reacting the same way to Gaga's "Judas" which i think is pretty similar to Piss Christ.
I love you Sister Wendy.
My perspective on Piss Christ is that submerging the crucifix in urine does not denigrate Jesus, but humanizes him. The dehumanization of anyone, whether turning someone into a god or a maggot, makes them unrelatable. It is the inability to relate to someone as a fellow human being that makes that person easier to denigrate or harm, and more difficult to empathize with or love. I can relate to an imperfect flesh and blood and piss Jesus. I cannot relate to some perfect and untainted entity.
what painting is he talking about at 8.10?
bather of ....
What she says is "...it's a kind of "suck-it-and-see" reaction". This is an English expression meaning to try something to find out if it will be successful. Hope this helps.
She was fantastic in the interview without doubt. Though I wonder if it was because of her insight and annunciation that Bill felt he could ask more challenging questions. I submit that if Sister Wendy wasn't so expert, that he may have backed off to avoid pinning her back to the wall. 3:36 Bill sits back in his chair smiling at her genius, and a few seconds later totally accepts her argument. I think he has a lot of respect for her.
this woman is amazing. At a time when analytic criticism of the actual making and form of the painting, rather than concept and image, has collapsed in the art world, it is a catholic nun who is resuscitating it. It is like something out of Dostoevsky!
I love how Bill Moyers can't seem to believe that a nun could possibly be comfortable with sexuality. It seems a sign of the present age that those who are most uncomfortable with sex are the ones going around calling everyone prudes...
Bill is smart but his way of thinking is very "far left" politically and people on the far left of the spectrum don't understand people very well. liberals like Bill like to believe they are on a higher plane than others and everyone around them is ape like and a simpleton. It's hard for left wingers to accept that someone like a nun would be ok with a cross in piss or the idea of sex. liberals put non-liberals in very small, circumscribed boxes.
Patrick3183 Correction. People put people in boxes. Just as you have done. Bill Moyers asks her about these questions because he's a journalist on a TV show and he knows that people want to know these answers too. Not because he's a liberal, but because he knows his audience wants to hear.
Patrick3183 Hmm. I wonder if the sweeping generalization above amounts to the exact same thing?
I'm an atheist and I tend to be rather disdainful of Christianity; Wendy was recommended to me for a laugh by an atheist friend; but I have to say, having watched this video - this woman gets it.
Rip sister Wendy
The artist said of my analysis "finally someone gets it".
These people wait until they see someone else's ideas float and then heap it on themselves like they discovered it. Its more important to build their position than to recognize the originator. This way they look like the sensitive and seeing ones.
"The words of the prophets are written on subway walls and tenement halls"
It says a great deal about our culture that Bill Moyers clearly and simply can't get his head around the idea of anyone appreciating and admiring sexuality without feeling it himself or herself. He patently doesn't understand what Beckett is saying and she must think he's not terribly intelligent although too polite to say so
God could not improve upon Sister Wendy, IMHO.
A great woman with a great mind.
Interesting... I was looking up the D-Beat band and I stumbled across this (I'm somewhat familiar with Serrano's work, but the punk band is considerably more fun). Anyway, she's a a smart lady and certainly fun to listen to.
but the objective truth that "shines" through the criticism is that this is, in practice, how we treat Christ and His sacrifice.
Sister Wendy has the proper take on morality. I'd go so far as to say that she has a genius level understanding of it.
She's a nun - despite her genius.
2:15 -- What is she saying--"___ ? ___ and see reaction." Please clarify.
Andrew C. "suck it and see" reaction. It's an English expression that basically translates to 'to determine what you think of something, try it out'. I.e. to determine how good the spaghetti is at a restaurant you could ask other diners or visit Urbanspoon... or you could simply order it and discover for yourself!
Sister Wendy handled all of Bill Moyer's questions with such grace and sophistication. I was at times very frustrated at some of his questions, which were, in my point of view, in very bad taste.
I certainly would not have had the patience she had, as he seemed to be asking questions not in an impartial way, but was actually quite opinionated.
@jonnynav64 I agree, I'd love to have lunch with Sister Wendy. I am a former Catholic and she makes me at least have some respect for the faith.
She is so enlightening. I never considered Piss Christ in that since but i agree with her completely!!
RIP Wendy
A wise lady. Thanks for posting!
It´s listening to people like sister Wendy that I realise that trere´s still hope
for Catholic Church!
@hyperseauton
she's way too smart to be pissed. Moyers just beeeggggging the hell out of the question.
@PlatniumProductions---what the hell is your problem?
What a bright and intelligent woman. An open mind and understanding what goes on in life. As she has chosen to serve the god she believes in and has great respect for all human actions and behaviours. On the same level as any great philosopher, but not taken seriously due to her cloak? I'd like to meet her and have some interesting discussions!
I think most religious people, certainly most Catholics, are of Sister Wendy's mind; they understand, for instance, that human sexuality is a beautiful gift of the creator. Which, of course, is a doctrine that FAR predates Vatican II, and every other council for that matter. As far as "Pisschrist" is concerned, I appreciate her point; depending both on the intention of the author and the attitude of the viewer, it may or may not be blasphemous...
Good luck destroying a photograph that has been, and can be again, reproduced innumerable times. Your spirit of Christ-like compassion will surely inspire millions.
PISS CHRIST is not controversial art. It's disgusting; if Serrano didn't mean to be sacreligious.
Maybe watch the interview again and listen this time. What a tiresome response.
Has there ever been anyone more beautiful before sister Wendy?
It's certainly true that money doesn't equal great art. One could argue that oppression and limitation leads to greater art...
its so quiet:(
I’m annoyed by Moyers insistence that there is something prurient in her intentions, and his almost adolescent pursuit of the supposition that she measures her speech by what people might think. This interview could have been so much better without that slant.
I don't agree. How else could he have gotten her to encapsulate her very insightful point of view? People commenting on these videos don't seem to be able to understand interviewing techniques at all. He suggests that nuns must surely be prudish and that they must surely be admonitory about Sister Wendy's comments. Result = Sister Wendy says "No, because....."
which is exactly what he wanted to hear. The way to get an eloquent explanation or defence of a position is to assert the opposite position as fact.
I agree. He's good, but not an amazing interviewer. He has a slightly condescending bedside manner, and his questions toe the line. Michael Parkinson is probably my favorite interviewer as he is able to use his charm to ask questions most of us wouldn't dare, but generally without the interviewee taking offense.
In any case, Sister Wendy was took Bill's questions in her stride, and I found her answers fascinating.
I guess Bill Moyer made sure the final piece of the interview is not shown because as he tries to hit her with the question-"Aren't you lonely?"Sister Wendy"That's the point of solitude.You're there to be with God. That's why solitude is not loneliness. Loneliness is needy. It wants. Solitude is fulfillment.It lives". Atheists are all guilty of the first deadly sin:Pride-thinking wrongly they don't need a God in their life, they'll be their own director, producer and writer of their life and meanwhile pornography rages on with age of 11 being the time someone first views it
Which is worse, someone with something to say but unable to find anyone prepared to listen, or a willing listener unable to find someone with something to say?
With Serrano as speaker and the sad, sorry, PC Wendy as his willing ‘listener’, we have someone with nothing to say to a listener unable to hear - a remarkable non-achievement fit for our pernicious times!
Well done Andres! Well done Wendy! A true act of piss-artist genius!
"We'we not tweating him wif wevewance." X^D Sister Wendy Rocks!
When she says there is nothing wrong with nudity it means that she does not look at it with lust! She looks at it in an innocent way. Also the human body can display beauty. It's God's creation.
_"He's a bit unconvincing about her head hair, but her pubic hair is lovely and fluffy"_
Sister Wendy Beckett on Stanley Spencer; _Self-Portrait with Patricia Preece_
_The Story of Painting_ for BBC TV
He was probably just an artist that won a fellowship - a contest - that had public money involved... It is not usually part of the process to censor an artist based on subject manner. The committee that funded the Piss Christ artist thought he was a quality artist. Perhaps, he was not so great, but this is just art with a religious subject, title, not a religion. If you censor art based on subject you are likely to eliminate much art. No sex, No violence, no... no.... no.... no
Blimey, Sister Wendy is amazing.
I believe that one can look at "Piss Christ" and see a perfect metaphor for the sacrifice of God. Jesus, God, immerses himself in the muck and mire of human life in order to share his grace with people.
Am I the only one who sees this possible meaning?
And I am not suggesting this is intentional on the artist's part, but the work itself does suggest this nobler interpretation if you think about it. It is a visually beautiful image if you allow yourself to look.
Sister Wendy gets it. Bill Moyers . . . not so much.
I wondered if Sister Wendy is saying she is asexual in other words.