The religious art genre contains some of the greatest art in history with artists like Michelangelo, Raphael, Salvador Dali, and Leonardo da Vinci. Now multimedia artist Rose Datoc Dall is one of many artists who keeps the genre fresh by adding new perspectives, angles, and styles to the well-depicted events of the Bible, The Book of Mormon, and historical moments of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
“Really I think the breakthrough piece for me was when I created the painting ‘Flight.’ Basically that’s the flight into Egypt where Mary and Jesus are on the donkey and being led by Joseph,” Dall said. “And it’s interesting because in that particular piece I learned to marry contemporary sensibilities with religious subject matter.”
In an interview with BYU-Idaho Radio, Dall talked about how winning the International Art Competition for the Church of Jesus Christ in 2009 helped get her work noticed. She then went on to win the competition again in 2015 and 2019.
“Entering that competition, all of a sudden I found that I had this audience and the church started acquiring my work,” Dall said.
She also spoke about growing an audience, and what young artists should focus on when starting out.
“I tell young artists everywhere that the most important thing that you can do and that you can chase as an artist is to find and develop your own artist-voice … you’re basically infusing yourself and a bit of your soul into art bringing an authentic and honest statement,” Dall said.
Dall will speak on June 23 at 6 p.m. at the awards ceremony for Art Grows Rexburg. You can learn more about the event here: artgrowsrexburg.org/guest-artist/