by Claire Davey
Mystery profoundly marks our lives. For as long as we are on earth, we are under the divine mystery of God and we do not yet understand. Unanswered questions and gray areas may frustrate us into eternity. However, Al Shands – Episcopalian priest, filmmaker, art collector, writer, philanthropist, amongst other titles –offers a new perspective. Shands embraces the mysteries and complexities of life headfirst:
“It’s the unknowns, the tantalizing edges of truth, the hints and guesses of what might be but is not yet, that prove to be the most significant parts of the human experience. In the meantime, that mystery is to be celebrated and cherished.”
The contemporary art he and his wife, Mary Shands, collected throughout their lives reflects this very idea. In his book Rounding the Circle, Shands writes how contemporary art is often difficult to understand because it takes active engagement with the art. This art will not explain itself. We must become a part of it. This practice does not fall short of being a spiritual one.
Just as there are aspects of God that remain hidden to us, we must use our imagination to make sense of it all. By this, we learn to display a faith that is childlike – one that does not so much seek to have the right answers or the correct theology, but leans more into the wonder of God, gazing with open eyes. And what a beautiful picture of faith this could be.
As I walked the Mary and Al Shands collection at the Speed Art Museum this past week, I had a similar realization with one particular piece. Untitled by Anish Kapoor was at first quite an unassuming piece. A large, yellow disk. That is it. I was quick to judge, writing it off as another piece of modern art that makes me frustrated in my inability to understand the deeper meaning, ultimately doubting that there is one to begin with. Upon further notice, I had no other choice but to interact with the artwork. As I approached, it began to approach me back, as if it was moving closer by the dominance of its deep yellow hue. It became mesmerizing to me. I was lost in it.
“Untitled” by Anish Kapoor. Stainless steel and yellow paint. Promised gift of The Mary and Alfred Shands Art Collection. Speed Art Museum.
We seek to further understand God through the presence of art. As in the rest of life, in contemporary art we experience ambiguity. Yet when we allow ourselves to take a step forward, to observe, and to witness, the beauty begins to unfold. Perhaps the mystery is not such a bad place to linger after all.
Al Shands passed away in 2021, yet his legacy lives on through his artwork collection, writings, films, and philanthropic legacy. The Mary and Al Shands Collection was on display at the Speed Art Museum March 24 - August 6, 2023.
Claire Davey is currently studying sociology and studio art at Wheaton College in Illinois. Originally from Portland, Oregon, she served this summer as an intern for Sojourn Arts through Love Thy Neighborhood.