The Transfigurist Art Blog
Given the fundamental importance of religion in human development, human communities, and human live, the merger of transhumanism and religion was inevitable. While advancements have been dominated thus far by science and technology, ethics and philosophy have played a major role in transhumanist thought as well, albeit from a non-deist, or atheist, viewpoint. But humans are inherently spiritual beings. That is to say, we crave transcendence, ritual, meaning, community, hope in the future, and purpose today. And it is in and through religion that humanity has traditionally sought these ends.
Among religions, Mormon theology, broadly interpreted, is uniquely complementary to many transhumanist ideas. So it was only natural that the marriage of transhumanism and religion should find its birth in the Mormon Transhumanist Association.
Scientists, philosophers, and theologians are now working together toward the furtherance of transhumanist ends. Conspicuously missing from involvement thus far, however, are artists. Art predates recorded science. It predates recorded philosophy. It even predates recorded religion. Cave paintings are among the oldest evidences of modern human culture. Art is deeply embedded into the human psyche and experience. It informs our world view so thoroughly that one would be hard pressed to disentangle the two. One might say that art is science; that art is philosophy; that art is religion, at its core.
As a somewhat unorthodox member and supporter of the MTA since its inception, and as an artist, writer, photographer, and poet, I have felt a responsibility to enter the fray, and to bring the artist to the grand table of transhumanism. Art is empowering. It is prophetic. It is the keeper of the past, and the projector of the future. It paints a picture of what was, and explores what might yet be. Art gives meaning and inspires purpose. It encourages community, and enables transcendence. Art is tradition and change, sentiment and symbol, stasis and change. Art is ritual. Art is human.
In my opinion, it is in and through art that we may retain our humanity as we become something more than human.
Here in this blog you will find examples of trasnhumanist art, especially transhumanist art that embraces the full spectrum of influence, from technology to philosophy to theology. I hope, as you browse, you are inspired and moved by what you find.
Sincerely,
Gary Lee Parker
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