Emmaus O’Herlihy is a Benedictine monk and visual artist at Glenstal Abbey, Murroe, Co. Limerick.
His paintings draw on Christian imagery while engaging contemporary aesthetic and theological questions. In particular, his work considers how recent artistic strategies reshape aesthetic priorities and awaken an ethical summons to the Other. Emmaus uses art to challenge a dualistic mentality that would over-spiritualize the human person at the expense of our physical reality. This focus on the physical form aims to move beyond the fixed, harmonious bodies of Classical art toward a representation that is open to the messiness of lived experience.
Emmaus holds a Bachelor of Design from the National College of Art and Design, Dublin, and completed both a Master of Theological Studies and a Doctorate in Theology at the University of St Michael’s College, University of Toronto, Canada. His research – awarded the Governor General’s Gold Medal for Academic Excellence – challenges static perceptions of the divine, a theme that permeates his own canvas. Central to Emmaus’ work is the principle of caro salutis est cardo, salvation hinges on the flesh.
Emmaus' work has been shown in Toronto, London (Ontario), Los Angeles, Munich, Dublin, and Limerick.
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