Take a virtual world tour hosted by Brian Kershisnik at the Center Virtual Festival

Susana Isabel Silva (Argentinian, b. 1976). *Emergiendo* (detail) from *Serie 344 - Viaje Jaredita* (2020). Handcut paper, 70 cm x 70 cm. Collection of the artist

A question we’re used to getting at the Center is “What is Latter-day Saint Art?” And these days, the answer is gaining depth & breadth every day. With an ever-growing network of members all over the world, the aesthetics and content of LDS art is taking on a new global sensibility that is truly fascinating to witness. In light of this, we’ve collected 7 artists from all over the world and invited them to the upcoming Center Virtual Festival to share their creative process, their studios, and their personal take on LDS art. Hosted by the one and only Brian Kershisnik, this virtual-gone-global series of interviews will be one to write home about.

Global Studio Tours Host: Brian Kershisnik

You’ve likely seen Brian Kershisnik’s work in recent exhibitions like Work & Wonder at the Church History Museum, or The Difficult Part, a recent mid-career retrospective at BYU Moa. His work hangs in the Conference Center, and is often featured in Church magazines. Maybe you’ve even spotted him on BYUtv’s artFUL. Beyond his faith-inspired works, his art now reaches national audiences through collectors and shows, with works featured in collections around the world.

Between his globetrotting childhood to far-off places like Angola & Pakistan, plus a mission in northern Europe, Kershisnik has been just about everywhere. There likely isn’t a better artist to lead a series of interviews like this.

After living in different countries as a kid, it’s clear that cultural differences and language barriers don’t phase Brian much any more. He’s had lots of practice to meet in the middle with speakers of languages foreign to him– with him picking up local languages, and his counterparts exercising their own accented english. “Growing up all over the world, you learn to pick up English out of sounds that are not that English,” he said. In a recent conversation with him, he claimed he didn’t speak Portuguese, and then stringed together enough to contradict himself.

At the Center Virtual Festival on May 30-31st, Brian is getting up-close and personal with seven artists from all over the world for a virtual dialogue. You’ll get a glimpse into these artists’ studios, see works-in-progress, and hear personal stories about their creative life and their faith.

Keep scrolling to meet some of the greatest artistic changemakers in LDS art creating from Angola, Argentina, Japan, Mexico, Nigeria, and Switzerland. Take a look, then come along for the ride (no passport needed!) at the Center Virtual Festival.

Meet the Artists from Angola, Argentina, Japan, Mexico, Nigeria, and Switzerland

Luanda, Angola: Hildebrando de Melo

Born into royal lineage in Huambo, Angola and raised in Porto, Portugal, Hildebrando de Melo joined the LDS church as a child. Never trained in a paintbrush, he uses a paint palette to create pieces inspired by his own experiences, including witnessing his home country torn by war. “My paintings are hungry,” he says. “They feed on disease, natural disasters, and God.”

Buenos Aires, Argentina: Susana Silva

Susana Silva works in cut paper to produce decorative, complex elements that come together as both micro- and macro- landscapes. They mirror her affinity for stories found in nature, the scriptures, and the human experience.

Tokyo, Japan: Kazuko Covington

Kasuko Covington is quilt artist whose intricate textiles articulate a fine line that encompasses both fine art and folk art. The artist is drawn to things that “have a sense of history,” like the vintage fabric from traditional marriage kimonos. In her creations, she pieces together symbols from the most important parts of herself: Japanese culture, the restored gospel, and her own ancestry.

Mexico City, Mexico: Ricardo Rendón & Georgina Bringas

In the heart of Mexico City, husband-and-wife artists Ricardo Rendón and Georgina Bringas are redefining contemporary art through innovative explorations of material, space, and perception. Rendón's kinetic sculptures delve into themes of transformation and balance, blurring the lines between the mechanical and the handcrafted. Bringas, on the other hand, focuses on the interplay of time and space, creating installations that make intangible concepts tangible. Her work frequently reflects on spiritual themes. With exhibitions throughout the world, this duo is an exciting intersection of contemporary art and their spirituality.

Lagos, Nigeria: Richard Olagunju

Richard Olagunju is an artist and university teacher known for his vibrant works in the traditional Yoruban style of beadwork. Upon closer inspection, those tiny beads contain much more than meets the eye. The artist makes thoughtful, deep choices about the portrayals in his pieces – from African figures, to traditional symbols, and persisting spiritual themes. “If you look at most art, there are lots of embedded truths,” he says.

Klosters, Switzerland: Christian Bolt

Nestled in a beautiful studio in the Swiss Alps, Christian Bolt passionately creates classical sculpture and painting, chipping away at marble imported from Italy (the same quarry Michaelangelo sourced from, in fact). He says his philosophy is the same for both art and life: “to learn a lot and never get held captive by it.”

Join the Worldwide Conversation at the Center Virtual Festival

With artists like these in our ranks, so much is happening at a global scale now. These days, when we get that question “What is Latter-day Saint Art?”, we’re a little tempted to say “we’ll keep you posted.” At least, until we get to talk with these artists further at the Center Virtual Festival May 30-31st. We’ll see you there. 🌏✨🎉

Register for the Center Virtual Festival