Roorda’s Representation of Ritual in Religion

Paul Roorda, accomplished artist and former student of Redeemer, displays his artwork in multiple exhibits throughout Ontario each year and currently has a display at Redeemer entitled “Communion of the Faint: Confessions and Complications.”  The title alone is thought provoking. Roorda explains that his art addresses the “place of ritual in a society where many are letting go of the religious traditions they have grown up with.”  He asks whether these rituals and traditions in religion need to be replaced or just abolished.  If replaced, then with what?

Roorda’s art is uniquely designed from unconventional substances.  They contain elements of snakeskin, beeswax, pages from the Bible, wine, slate tiles, as well as many other interesting components.  He says that the “materials are chosen to reflect the types of symbolic material rituals are made of” and he uses a repetitive process to create the art for the same purpose.  From a plethora of leaky tiles in an old church’s roof, Roorda presents the idea that certainty has been compromised and that the “boundaries of faith have been penetrated.”  The hundreds of Bible texts found in Antidote have been rolled into scrolls and burnt, while other works see dye extracted and pages placed in medicinal capsules.  These represent an exploration of “the relationship between faith, ritual, and healing” and are just a few of many interesting objects to observe.

Each exhibit was designed through slow repetition, careful consideration of material, and with a purpose.  Roorda hopes people will take the time to “discover or experience a new layer of meaning with each look at the exhibition.”  It is far more complex than a quick jaunt through Redeemer’s art gallery can reveal.  Pamphlets on a table are designed to guide observers through a better understanding and more in depth meaning of each display.  Take the time to carefully peruse and examine this art display, looking for meaning in the material and the method it was used to create this art.  It will remain on display throughout February and until March 22.

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