Aaron Rosen is a writer, curator, and non-profit leader, respected internationally for his work in the public humanities, interfaith dialogue, and the arts. He is Executive Director of The Clemente Course in the Humanities, and founded and directs the not-for-profit Parsonage Gallery in Maine, exploring issues of ecology and spirituality through contemporary art. He is the author or editor of a dozen books, including What Would Jesus See?, and Art and Religion in the 21st Century and has provided commentary for the BBC, PBS, CNN.com and The Guardian. He is also the visual arts editor for Image Journal.
In this conversation, Aaron shared his views on the unique dynamics found in the intersection of art and religion. We explored the importance of religious imagery, visual thinking in understanding Jesus, and the historical influence of Christian art on Jewish artists. Our dialogue also touched on art’s role in fostering interfaith dialogue and the Parsonage Gallery’s unique contribution to experimental art and community engagement.