Concepts of Spirituality in The Works of Robert Houle and Otto Rogers with Special Consideration to Images of the Land

by Nooshfar B. Afnan

Abstract: This thesis examines the use of landscape motifs by two contemporary Canadian artists to express their spiritual aspirations. Both Robert Houle and Otto Rogers, inspired by the Canadian prairie landscape, employ its abstracted form to convey their respective spiritual ideas. The attitude of the Saulteaux (Plains Ojibway) toward the land is explored, as well as other significant aspects of their spiritual life to gain a better understanding of the spiritual iconography in Houle's art. Similarly the Bahá'í Faith's point of view toward the land is discussed together with some of its teachings that find expression in Rogers' work. There is also a discussion of their choice of abstraction as the formal conveyor of a spiritual message. A thorough analysis of several of their works is been provided to establish how both artists employ the landscape and its features to convey a sense of spirituality.