The aesthetics of ‘manhood’ within the paradigmatic framework of theopaschitic theology. From Brett Murray’s painting ‘The Spear’ and the opened fly to the iconic view of ‘The Anchor’ and the spiritual art of male genitals
Date
2012-12
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch University, Faculty of Theology
Abstract
The Brett Murray painting of president Zuma with an opened fly probes into the
realm of manhood. It reveals the so called ‘masculinity crisis’ in the gender discourse.
From a practical theological point of view it poses the question whether one can
exclude male genitals from a holistic anthropology that views corporeality and
sexuality as essential elements of the ‘human soul’. The following question is posed:
To what extent can the theopaschitic paradigm and Christian iconic view on life
contribute to the transformation of existing images on being male and masculinity?
Can such a theological approach change existing paradigms determined by
domination and patriarchal power? It is accepted that masculinities are products of
social and cultural images. In this regard manhood is a social and cultural construct.
The Brett Murray painting emphasizes the fact that the penis is still a phallic symbol
and as a ‘public’ subjected to the gaze of social media. The public reactions on Brett
Murray’s ‘The Spear’ are scrutinized by a Christian spiritual hermeneutics. The
objective of the article is to emphasize the role of aesthetics in the establishment
of a poetic gaze on manhood. It is an attempt to transform thrusting manhood into
‘compassionate intimacy’. It is argued that male genitals should be viewed as sacred
and ‘soulful’ parts of human embodiment.
Description
Publication of this article was funded by the Stellenbosch University Open Access Fund.
The original publication is available at http://ngtt.journals.ac.za/pub
CITATION: Louw, D. J. 2013. The aesthetics of 'manhood' within the paradigmatic framework of theopaschitic theology: from Brett Murray's painting "The Spear" and the opened fly to the icon view of "The Anchor" and the spiritual art to male genitals. Nederduitse Gereformeerde Teologiese Tydskrif, 53(3&4): 180-193, doi:10.5952/53-3&4-260.
The original publication is available at http://ngtt.journals.ac.za/pub
CITATION: Louw, D. J. 2013. The aesthetics of 'manhood' within the paradigmatic framework of theopaschitic theology: from Brett Murray's painting "The Spear" and the opened fly to the icon view of "The Anchor" and the spiritual art to male genitals. Nederduitse Gereformeerde Teologiese Tydskrif, 53(3&4): 180-193, doi:10.5952/53-3&4-260.
Keywords
Zuma, Jacob, Murray, Brett, 1961 -- Exhibitions, Sculpture, South African -- Exhibitions, Masculinity -- Religious aspects -- Christianity, Sex role -- Religious aspects -- Christianity
Citation
Louw, D. J. 2013. The aesthetics of 'manhood' within the paradigmatic framework of theopaschitic theology: from Brett Murray's painting "The Spear" and the opened fly to the icon view of "The Anchor" and the spiritual art to male genitals. Nederduitse Gereformeerde Teologiese Tydskrif, 53(3&4): 180-193, doi:10.5952/53-3&4-260.