4. The Christa Project: Manifesting Divine Bodies at St. John the Divine

The Life of Christ by Keith Haring was a gift to the Cathedral by the Keith Haring Foundation

In 1984, the sculpture Christa was displayed in the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, surrounded by great controversy about the sexualized bronze portraying Christ’s body as female. The artist, Edwina Sandys intention was to allow all people to see themselves fully represented. St John the Divine will bring Christa back to the Cathedral, alongside the works of twenty-one contemporary artists, exploring symbolism, art and rituals associated with the historic concept of the Christ image, manifested in each and every person, crossing genders, race, ethnicities, sexual orientation and abilities. In addition, a choreographed series of performances, many in collaboration with poets and musicians, will be part of the related programming, along with workshops and panel discussions.

St. John the Divine is known for not only their extraordinary art installations, but also for their permanent collection, which includes The Life of Christ by Keith Haring (above), permanently located in the Chapel of Saint Columba. This was the last sculpture piece created by the artist before his death in 1990. It was gifted to the Cathedral by the Keith Haring Foundation.

The exhibit Christa will be on view from October 6, 2016 through March 12, 2017.  The Cathedral of St. John the Divine is located at 1047 Amsterdam Avenue at 112th Street.