Best observations on the "vestments" designed for Notre Dame's reopening:
One wonders three things -- 1) were there no other vestments available for the weekend? 2) how much was spent on these things? And, 3) were these vestments the work of a professional, or did toddlers enter his studio and start finger painting on fabric?
The altar has become a disturbance. As opposed to glorifying God and elevating the holy sacrifice, many are fixated on its stark geometric simplicity relative to that which surrounds it. One commenter suggested that its design is reflective of "laziness and indifference to God." This description resonated with me.
The Style Police will explain how the simple, uncultured masses lack sophistication. Again, style be dammed, it's unattractive to my eye, looks just plunked down, captures nothing thematic regarding its surroundings and would never be confused as a thoughtful extension of the high altar. It contrasts in an irritating way and isn't tasteful, at least to me. I never thought I would conclude that its predecessor was easier on the eyes.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I, along with many others, are evidently too crude to discern how this is beautiful. Perhaps an elitist snob will help us to see our shortcomings.
The vestments are the work of a professional - Jean-Charles, marquis de Castelbajac (born 28 November 1949), also known as JC/DC, is a French fashion designer.
It's simply his opinion....one welcomed by the host. I do not see the distinction between TJM's opinion and yours, which oftentimes is presented as authoritative. In the end, no one's opinion here is important as we are neither the decision maker(s) nor the producers of what was presented. Simple experience over a lifetime of looking at vestments leads me toward the conclusion many reached - they aren't attractive or my taste. If they are to you, wonderful.
Just because a professional made them, doesn't mean they are good/attractive/tasteful relative to their purpose. The Edsel, Corvair, Cadillac Cimarron, New Coke, Yogurt Shampoo, Cheetos Lip Balm, colored ketchup among a landslide of others demonstrates how easily the professionals get it wrong.
Byz - Were TJM merely expressing his opinion, you would be correct. He's not. As with most of his statements about many things, he is speaking dogmatically, if often in ignorance, about art, doctrine, politics, etc. "I don't like them" or "I think they're ugly" is an expression of opinion. When he says to me, "...you are relativist who likely thinks "Rubber Duckie" is on equal footing with Mozart's "Ave Verum", he is, again, speaking from ignorance. (Now, you might complain, "Oh he was just being sarcastic." But you know TJM better than that, as do I.)
14 comments:
Leave it to a Maronite to eschew the nonsense of modern(ist) Romans. God love 'im :)
Nick
(Yes, I know rubrics say that a priest celebrating in a rite other than his own should wear the appropriate vestments of his own rite.)
The Roman Rite vestments are clownish. I’d be embarrassed to wear it. Fortunately most young priests eschew them
Agree!
Best observations on the "vestments" designed for Notre Dame's reopening:
One wonders three things -- 1) were there no other vestments available for the weekend? 2) how much was spent on these things? And, 3) were these vestments the work of a professional, or did toddlers enter his studio and start finger painting on fabric?
The altar has become a disturbance. As opposed to glorifying God and elevating the holy sacrifice, many are fixated on its stark geometric simplicity relative to that which surrounds it. One commenter suggested that its design is reflective of "laziness and indifference to God." This description resonated with me.
The Style Police will explain how the simple, uncultured masses lack sophistication. Again, style be dammed, it's unattractive to my eye, looks just plunked down, captures nothing thematic regarding its surroundings and would never be confused as a thoughtful extension of the high altar. It contrasts in an irritating way and isn't tasteful, at least to me. I never thought I would conclude that its predecessor was easier on the eyes.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I, along with many others, are evidently too crude to discern how this is beautiful. Perhaps an elitist snob will help us to see our shortcomings.
The vestments are the work of a professional - Jean-Charles, marquis de Castelbajac (born 28 November 1949), also known as JC/DC, is a French fashion designer.
Is it any wonder they turned out like that, then? At least they're memorable for how poor of a showing they are.
Nick
The vestments are the work of a professional
So what, they are ugly. And keep in mind, "professionals" gave us the Novus Ordo which has been a disaster and a huge bore
ByzRus,
Spot on!
TJM By whose standards are they "ugly?" Yours? What makes your standards, your understanding of what is beautiful important anyway?
Well we know you have no standards, you are relativist who likely thinks "Rubber Duckie" is on equal footing with Mozart's "Ave Verum"
It's simply his opinion....one welcomed by the host. I do not see the distinction between TJM's opinion and yours, which oftentimes is presented as authoritative. In the end, no one's opinion here is important as we are neither the decision maker(s) nor the producers of what was presented. Simple experience over a lifetime of looking at vestments leads me toward the conclusion many reached - they aren't attractive or my taste. If they are to you, wonderful.
Just because a professional made them, doesn't mean they are good/attractive/tasteful relative to their purpose. The Edsel, Corvair, Cadillac Cimarron, New Coke, Yogurt Shampoo, Cheetos Lip Balm, colored ketchup among a landslide of others demonstrates how easily the professionals get it wrong.
ByzRus - 1 Kavanaugh 0
Well said!
Byz - Were TJM merely expressing his opinion, you would be correct. He's not. As with most of his statements about many things, he is speaking dogmatically, if often in ignorance, about art, doctrine, politics, etc. "I don't like them" or "I think they're ugly" is an expression of opinion. When he says to me, "...you are relativist who likely thinks "Rubber Duckie" is on equal footing with Mozart's "Ave Verum", he is, again, speaking from ignorance. (Now, you might complain, "Oh he was just being sarcastic." But you know TJM better than that, as do I.)
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