My name is Augusto, and I am an art director, graphic designer, and photographer driven by empathy. 

I’ve had the chance to work across different industries as an art director, graphic designer, and photographer, and while I’ve honed my skills in the more “commercial” settings, I’ve started to explore the significance of art and beauty as contemplation and inspiration, beyond just the aesthetic sense. 

I’m hoping to participate in the Christianity & the Arts Program at King’s College in London to gain a deeper academic understanding of beauty, goodness, and truth, commonly known as the Transcendentals. 

This program will give me an in-depth academic understanding of how Christian art has influenced cultural and philosophical concepts over centuries. 

I am seeking support to help fund my participation in this program, and your support will help me learn and grow so I can inspire others to appreciate the wonder of art and its capacity to evoke awe and introspection in the richness and mundane seasons of life, regardless of religious beliefs.

I’m fully committed to this journey and believe it will have a big impact, and your help means the world to me. I’d appreciate anything you can offer support for.

IN PURSUIT

A Masters Degree at King’s College London

This one year Masters Degree course investigates how Christian scripture, beliefs and practices have found expression in art for over 2,000 years. It also traces the idea of beauty in Western theological tradition, and  takes advantage of King’s exceptional location by exploring art in London’s collections, in particular the rich cultural resources specifically the artistic, human and web-based resources of the National Gallery in London.

I intend to participate in the Christianity & the Arts Program at King’s College in London to gain a deeper academic understanding of the complex development of these concepts.

The program leverages King’s College London’s exceptional location by incorporating studies of art in London’s collections, particularly the resources at the National Gallery. It encourages interdisciplinary work, allowing students to explore both the history and cultural dimensions in tandem, which are typically studied separately.

My goal is to inspire people to rediscover the beauty and wonder of liminal spaces and reignite their sense of awe. There is a growing desire to rediscover beauty, goodness, and truth—commonly known as the Transcendentals.

THE INTENT

Re-enchanting our relationship to Beauty

After completing my studies at King’s College London, I plan to collaborate and establish art & theology programming with churches or organizations with the mindset of being theological, missional, and relational.

Some programming could look like:

  • Community teaching series: To get communities to better appreciate and engage with art, I plan to organize a lecture series on Beauty and Theology. The series would delve into the theological foundations behind the concept of the Transcendentals and how it can be used to enrich our spiritual lives.

  • Art & Theology Consultancy: I aim to provide consultancy services to church leaders, planters, and residents who wish to establish a coherent and theologically sound identity for their church or organization. The consultancy will incorporate theological and intentional approaches to help participants develop a clear vision for their mission.

  • Artists-in-Residency programming and artist talks: To support and nurture the local art community, I plan to establish an Artists-in-Residency Program in collaboration with the church or other organizations. The program will offer a safe and supportive environment for local artists to create and showcase their works. Furthermore, I intend to organize community artist talks to showcase the artists’ work and provide a platform for them to share their experiences and creative processes with the wider public.

PROOF OF WORK

the Ancient Future

The Ancient Future is an intuitive and personal design practice that honors the past while moving forward, embracing the tension between history and relevancy.

Across varied styles and mediums, the work produced by this practice is a result of the dedication to serving the Body of Christ. This work showcases a personal trajectory by demonstrating how art, graphic design, and faith can not only coexist but also rely on each other.

I hope to carry and influence this mindset into the Church in its current state and prepare it for the Church that is to come.

I believe the Christianity & the Arts Masters Degree program at King’s College London will give me the tools to help guide the church how to get there.