Instagram has 300 million active users, garnering about 70 million posts per day, and instructional books have been written on the craft of capturing images with an iPhone. Technology now

permeates most facets of communication and has consequentially revolutionized spheres of art and business. In response, the 10th Annual Arts Conference hosted by Biola University looked at the current relationship between technology and art.


Sponsored by Biola’s Center for Christianity, Culture and the Arts (CCCA), the conference is one of the center’s goals to engage the Biola community and Southern California artists by providing a platform for stimulating and innovative discussions on modern art and faith.


The theme, titled “The Digitalization of The Christian Imagination,” explored the obstacles and opportunities of digital technology in the imaginative life of the Christian artist.

Finding a theme that was applicable to all of the visual arts proved to be difficult, said Barry Krammes, professor of art and university gallery director, however, technology spans all disciplines.

“The digital revolution has changed a lot about every detail of the arts — everything,” said Krammes. “It’s a timely topic.”

More than ten experts shared their experience and knowledge in sessions and workshops throughout the day. Seasoned professionals fostered an environment in which audiences could engage in dialogue regarding vocation and learn how to positively contribute to the broader Christian academic discourse through activities such as workshops, presentations and personal interaction.

Many of the featured speakers were experts on the forefront of the collision between art and technology including Jeff Jenson, a TV critic for Entertainment Weekly and co-writer for the 2015 summer Disney film Tommorowland. Jenson discussed consuming culture with other speakers as part of a panel led by Dane Sanders. Joshua Clayton, a professor at New York University and local artist, presented on the unique vocations in the digital world and also contributed to an afternoon session regarding the expressive potential of computational media. Karen Swallow Prior, an English professor at Liberty Baptist University in Virginia and contributing writer for Christianity Today, spoke on culture trailblazing. Over The Rhine, an Ohio-based husband-wife duo, also hosted an afternoon session on songwriting.

The grand opening of the art exhibit, The Coded Image, took place at noon and included live music and opportunities to interact with featured speakers. The exhibit is on display in the Earl and Virginia Green Art Gallery through March 26, 2015.

Find out more about upcoming events on the CCCA website.

Photos provided by David Coonradt.

Written by Mystiana Victorino, iBiola intern. For more information, contact Jenna Loumagne, media relations specialist, at (562) 777-4061 or jenna.l.bartlo@biola.edu.