Grossmann, Magnus J.  <br/><br/>
Art and Polarity—Towards a Theology of Art, with Special Reference to Ezekiel's Prophetic Sign-Acts 

 - Johannesburg  South African Theological Seminary  May 2020 
 - 335p  PDF  A4  Abstract, TOC 
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<br/><br/> This dissertation is dedicated to the research of art and its theological significance. A summary  of theologically  relevant,  art-theoretical  conceptions  of  the  underlying phenomenon serves as a starting point and allows for a reconsideration of prophetic sign-acts as artistic performances. Both art in general as well as prophetic sign-acts, particularly those in the book of Ezekiel, reveal polarity as a common and arguably defining  feature.  Thus,  four  polarities,  which  are  art-theoretically  relevant  and prominently  featured  in  Ezekiel's  prophetic  sign-acts,  are  studied  in  detail.  The resulting insight, that polarity is a necessary element within the emergence of art, is associated with the revelatory nature of the latter. Thus, it is concluded that art should be  considered  as  a  manifestation  of  divine  revelation.  Finally,  this  conclusion  is supplemented by an overview of its practical consequences within different theological disciplines as well as contemporary art.