Adam K. K. Figueira
When Brother Amir J. Robinson himself asked me to write this review of the new art installations at Millennium Park, it came completely out of the blue. I’d finished my lunch and was heading through the park back to the communications temple, where I do most of my work, when Brother Robinson emerged from a side door of a nearby temple and called out to me. He led me to a bench under some olive trees, and made his request. At first, I was both hesitant and confused. Here in the New Jerusalem—the city of Zion, where all are “of one heart and of one mind, and [dwell] in righteousness”—what could possibly be the point? Did the Kingdom of God on Earth need art criticism?
Our beloved prophet smiled in his patient way at my question and asked me in return, “Does the Kingdom of God on Earth need art?” Now, I’m not too dim to recognize a trap, and of course everyone knows about Brother Robinson’s career as a brilliant ceramicist prior to his calling, so although I have pondered this question many times myself, hearing it from his lips did nothing to set me at ease. Still, I knew my answer.
“More than ever,” I said. “Now that we live in consecration, and the temporal needs of all are guaranteed, we need constant reminders of where we came from, or we will return to our former ways. We need to be challenged to grow more consecrated, rather than more complacent. We also need ennobling forms of work, worship, expression, and recreation to spend our time in, and we need methods and media for stretching our minds and spirits towards higher things, for exploring the mysteries we have not yet penetrated, and for passing on those we have. We are one people, but not one person, and the arts allow us to express our differences and learn from each other. We can probably live without art, but I’m not sure we can learn to be like God without it.”
His smile widened as I spoke, in the way that a teacher smiles when sensing an opportunity, so that by the time I was finished, I was not at all sure I had gotten it right. “So art reminds and educates, expresses and edifies,” he said. “Connects and consecrates. Are we perfect in how we use our arts for these purposes? If our people are to reach these heights you speak of, won’t they need a guide?”
“But, I’m no guide,” I objected. “I don’t even know what I’m doing myself.”
“Brother,” he answered, taking me by the hand, “you are correct there. You’re not the guide. You are a fellow sojourner. But companions on the road may discuss their journey, and so help each other to their destination.”
Then he left me there, the sun dazzling my eyes as it reflected off the golden paving stones, and not until much later did I realize that I hadn’t even agreed to do what he asked, except in my heart.
And so, my fellow travelers, it is in this spirit that I offer the following review. For the record, I’m still not sure I’ve got any of this right.
Adam K. K. Figueira teaches the most valiant generation yet sent to earth about jazz and cinematography that they may further the advance of art through the Millennium.
PHONY
