> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.theartnewsletter.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Issue 9 - URL: https://www.theartnewsletter.com/issue-9/ - Published: 2026-11-05T18:08:43.000Z - Updated: 2026-11-05T18:08:43.000Z - Description: Even at the onset of societal change, one often finds oneself holding their breath, quick to let even the slightest amount of air go to waste. - Author: Wolfgang Bakari Burst - Tags: Weekly Newsletter **Section 1 - grounding** ****Romans 12:2** "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." **Hanging in the Balance** Even at the onset of societal change, one often finds oneself holding their breath, quick to let even the slightest amount of air go to waste. Constant anxiety keeps us in a state of fear. Our world balances on scales held up by meticulously crafted stones. We pray that things get easier. Life can feel like nothing but suffering, but joy comes in the morning, even if we have been covered by the blackest night. For a house built on a firm foundation will stand, but it’s up to the people of God to make that move. Open our eyes, and let us see the truth. **Section 2 - thoughts and ideas** ****Mary the Lifeguard: Nick Leeper, S.J, on Finding God in Ordinary Things** **Nick Leeper, a Jesuit artist, paints the Virgin Mary on lifeguard duty and saints in the language of advertising. He told the Art Newsletter why the sacred belongs in the ordinary, and why Christian art should do more than preach.* His latest piece, **Our Lady Help of Christians*, shows the Virgin Mary as a lifeguard, with Christ cast as the tanning lotion. It has sparked debate about how the body belongs in religious art. For Nick, it is an old Jesuit idea put into paint: that God can be found in all things. We spoke about a silent retreat that changed his life, the trouble with Christian art that only preaches, and his upcoming show at Fordham. We should judge religious art by whether it reveals God to the viewer. [Read the full article on The Art Newsletter.](https://www.theartnewsletter.com/mary-the-lifeguard-nick-leeper-s-j-on-finding-god-in-ordinary-things/) ****Going Beyond the Trend of 'Taste'** Going back near summer’s end, on a warm Tuesday, my friend's curiosity enriched what could have been a rather mundane afternoon. The forecast had declared that it was going to rain all day but when I woke up, it was nothing but bright skies. Before I go any further, there are some facts you should know about the wonderful city of Montréal, Québec; first, it’s a city where the arts thrive and art enthusiasts run rampant. Secondly, and most importantly, nothing compares to Montréal summers. I’m not exaggerating when I tell you that a common complaint you’d hear from the average Montrealer is that there are too many activities/festivals and not enough time to attend each one. [Read the full article on The Art Newsletter.](https://www.theartnewsletter.com/going-beyond-the-trend-of-taste/) **Section 3 - exploration** [break the moldNon standard, undervalued, and rare pulls from modern/contemporary christian music. Genre-less and updated weekly. Create a free account to access.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/34/b5/34b542d7-662a-4b6d-b229-2d284cd24c37/content/images/icon/TAN_LINKEDIN-Profile--2--3-861041d0-b600-448c-8778-36ffd3af9e1f.png)The Art NewsletterWolfgang Bakari Burst![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/34/b5/34b542d7-662a-4b6d-b229-2d284cd24c37/content/images/thumbnail/photo-1510195554971-4abd04b7f168-3de1e9d8-e3ad-4778-8297-df31d24e0121.jpg)](https://www.theartnewsletter.com/break-the-mold/) [Christian Films You've Probably Never Heard OfThis is a part of our series of Exploring Christian films and TV shows that most people would never have heard of. This document will be updated weekly with new films, so feel free to come back anytime and check on it as we continue to update.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/34/b5/34b542d7-662a-4b6d-b229-2d284cd24c37/content/images/icon/TAN_LINKEDIN-Profile--2--3-4988e1d2-b1ef-4c7a-9c42-a7d1e0a077fe.png)The Art NewsletterWolfgang Bakari Burst![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/34/b5/34b542d7-662a-4b6d-b229-2d284cd24c37/content/images/thumbnail/5903-125fca64-ff12-4863-b3b8-15db5474c22b.webp)](https://www.theartnewsletter.com/christian-films-youve-probably-never-heard-of/?ref=the-art-newsletter-weekly-newsletter) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/34/b5/34b542d7-662a-4b6d-b229-2d284cd24c37/content/images/2026/11/resize_Cyro-A.-Silva-1536x1023.jpg) **fot. Cyro A. Silva, wikimedia, CC 3.0* The Metropolitan Cathedral of St Sebastián in Rio de Janeiro is one of the world’s most secluded churches. Designed in the 1960s, the cathedral is shaped like a grey mound and stands in the middle of the late modernist city centre. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/34/b5/34b542d7-662a-4b6d-b229-2d284cd24c37/content/images/2026/11/resize_Motoki-UEMURAJPN-wiki-3-1536x1023.jpg) **fot. Motoki UEMURAJPN, wikimedia, CC 3.0* Despite its circular base, the form is meant to resemble Mayan step pyramids. Inside, the 64-metre-tall, large windows with colourful stained glass windows catch the eye. --- This week’s song is [A Little Jazz Mass: I. Kyrie by Bob Chilchot & The Oxford Choir ](https://open.spotify.com/track/5gnsoy0VuAACAGVbB5DTDE?si=d3e9398933064743&ref=theartnewsletter.com)It's incredible to hear the Catholic mass reformed with a jazz context. All songs we find are collected here in our [weekly updated playlist](https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3CykX4VuY03ZQIpEk9Pl30?si=68d9c55b5eba49e2&ref=theartnewsletter.com). If you are a musician and have a track you would like to feature, email us at: info@theartnewsletter.com **Section 4 - action** There is a cost to making something that enriches people’s lives, and it does not disappear just because the work is done for God. We are a team of college students and young professionals who believe in our mission of showcasing contemporary Christian arts to the world. [Become a paid member here ](#/portal/signup) It costs little and gives much. Become a paid member here, and let us know what you think of this week’s newsletter by leaving a like or dislike below. And to each and every one of you: thank you, and God bless. Jesog & Wolfgang Co-Founders The Art Newsletter ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/34/b5/34b542d7-662a-4b6d-b229-2d284cd24c37/content/images/2026/11/resize_Cyro-A.-Silva-1536x1023-1.jpg)