Brigham Young University Museum of Art

05/31/2026

- The Lord Raised Up a Deliverer

Throughout the scriptures, the Israelites repeated a cycle of falling away and returning to the Lord. Each cycle, the Lord promised them a judge and a deliverer that would lead them back to righteousness. As fulfillment of that promise, Jesus Christ is the ultimate judge, deliverer, and Redeemer that welcomes all of God’s children as they return to Him. In Albrecht Dürer’s engraving 'Sol Justitiae' ('The Judge'), Dürer blends the symbols of Christ with the symbols of justice. Christ holds the sword to bring swift judgement, and the scales of balance to hold all accountable for their thoughts and deeds. However, instead of the traditional blindfold, the Judge is illuminated by a three-pronged halo, representing His all-knowing watchfulness and connection to the Father and the Holy Ghost. He sits upon a lion, representing Christ's divinity and royalty in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Albrecht Durer (1471-1528), 'Sol Justitiae' ('The Judge'), c.1501, engraving, 4 x 3 inches. Brigham Young University Museum of Art, purchase/gift of Mahonri M. Young Estate, 1959.

05/27/2026

Let's take a closer look at Plexus #29, the enormous, rainbow-colored artwork beneath our skylight. This iconic installation by artist is made up of more than 80 miles of thread of different colors. That's the distance from the MOA to the Wyoming border! Each individual strand combines with the others to form a dazzling spectrum of light and color that seems to shimmer as the viewer moves around it and as the natural light changes throughout the day.

Photos by Jenna Van De Graaff, external relations.

05/24/2026

- Be Strong and of a Good Courage

To reach the Promised Land, Joshua and the Israelites had to cross the River Jordan and pass the wicked city of Jericho. Joshua led his army around the city walls, once a day for a week. On the seventh day, the Israelites brought the Ark of the Covenant, blew seven rams’ horn trumpets, and circled the city walls seven times until they miraculously collapsed.

In Lorenzo Ghiberti’s 'Joshua and Jericho' panel from 'the Gates of Paradise', the crumbling walls and trumpeting army parade around the top of the panel– the crowning moment ending the Israelites’ time in the wilderness. To give thanks to the Lord, the Israelites built an altar to offer sacrifices; Ghiberti sculpted the Israelites hunched and heavy under the weight of the stones, emphasizing the labor required to choose the Lord. When we trust the Lord and choose to be on His side, we can receive the same promised blessings fulfilled to Joshua: courage, strength, and eventually exaltation.

Lorenzo Ghiberti (1378-1455), 'Joshua and Jericho,' from 'The Gates of Paradise,' 1452, gilded gypsum cast of the original, c. 1947-1948, 33 9/16 x 33 5/8 inhes. Brigham Young University Museum of Art, with generous support from Bill and Barbara Benac, 2016.

05/21/2026

The MOA has great acoustics, and tomorrow at 7:30 PM, we're hosting a free concert with , a Provo-based community choir! Join us for an uplifting evening of music exploring love, loss, and renewal. All are welcome to attend.

05/18/2026

05/17/2026

- Beware Lest Thou Forget the Lord

Towards the end of Moses’ life and ministry in the wilderness, he was shown a glimpse of what was promised to the Israelites. In his final instructions to the people, Moses urged them to “love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might” (Deuteronomy 6:5).

In F'all and Redemption of Man', humankind, in the form of an Everyman figure, sits between Moses (representing the law) and John the Baptist (representing grace). The laws and rituals of our faith point toward Christ’s grace, drawing us closer and ensuring redemption.

What reminds you of your covenants and the blessings of your faith?

School of Lucas Cranach (1472–1553), 'Fall and Redemption of Man', early 16th century, oil on canvas, 38 x 106 inches. Brigham Young University Museum of Art, gift of Karel Waterman.

05/13/2026

The Family Arts Festival is now Summer at the MOA, a summer-long celebration of all things art! Children of all ages are invited to play, create, and explore as they interact with some of the finest artworks the MOA has to offer.

This year we've got 5 different activities for your family to enjoy together:

June 1-30: Mystery at the MOA - Mission Impossible
June 16: Exploring Lines with Artist David Habben*
July 1-31: Hidden in Her Art - Mimi Chen Ting's Musical Riddle
July 14: Master Copies with Connie Broadbent*
August 4: Metal Leaf Gilding*

*Registration required via Eventbrite for some activities. Check our website for full details

05/10/2026

- Rebel Not Ye against the Lord, Neither Fear

Cover up one side of this painting and take note of what you see. If you looked at the left side, you might have noticed thick, sturdy trees, a vibrant reflected sunset, brightly colored leaves, and thriving moss. On the right, the colors are muted, the trees are thinner, their leaves almost gone, and some have come crashing to the earth. This is a scene of both life and death, depending on where you choose to look.

In Numbers 13 and 14, twelve scouts visit the promised land and report on their findings. Ten of the scouts fear the people and cities that they found, causing the people to despair. The other two speak of “an exceeding good land... a land which floweth with milk and honey,” and remind their fellows that “the Lord is with us: fear them not.” Because so many could not see the blessings waiting for them, they wandered in the wilderness for 40 years instead.

How can we be more mindful of the blessings in our lives?

William Bliss Baker (1859-1886), 'Fallen Monarchs,' 1886, oil on canvas, 30 x 39 3/4 inches. Brigham Young University Museum of Art, gift of Thomas E. Robinson, 1974. On view in the exhibition

05/07/2026

05/04/2026

May the Fourth be with You!