Project Statement

Sacred Sight is an interactive platform designed to make world religions approachable through the lens of art. Using a blend of technology and creativity, this website allows you to click on elements within religious paintings to uncover their deeper meanings. Each element reveals not only its significance within its originating faith but also draws connections to similar ideas in other religious traditions.
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Our mission is to bridge cultural gaps and spark curiosity, offering a welcoming way to explore the symbols, stories, and values that shape humanity’s spiritual heritage. Whether you’re an art lover, curious learner, or seeking to understand religions, Sacred Sight invites you to discover and connect through the universal language of art. 

Why I Created Sacred Sight

I was born and raised in a family without any religious beliefs. When I came to the United States for college, I experienced culture shock. I enrolled in a Jesuit, Catholic university where theology classes are mandatory for all students. I struggled to understand the material, especially since many of my classmates were already familiar with religious texts like the Bible, the Quran, and other scriptures.

At the same time, I began my art history studies, where I was introduced to early European religious art from the Renaissance, Baroque, and Medieval periods. To make sense of the rich symbolism and details in these artworks, I developed a unique method for taking notes. Using my iPad, I would put an image of the painting into my notes, then draw circles around key symbolic elements on the image. I would then add annotations to explain their meanings within the religious and cultural context. This hands-on approach helped me connect the symbols to broader religious themes.

This combination of experiences led me to the idea of creating a tool to help people like me learn about religious topics quickly, using visual elements in art. I also wanted to help people from diverse backgrounds connect their own religious traditions with others they were learning about. With my background in computer programming, I realized that a digital platform—like a website—would be an ideal solution, allowing users to explore clear, detailed artwork on a large screen.

Progress So Far

Currently, I’ve curated and created content for four major world religions: Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. For each, I’ve carefully selected artworks that are rich in symbolism, offering a visual entry point into the key beliefs of each faith. I’ve designed interactive features that allow users to click on specific elements within these artworks to learn about their significance.

I am continuously adding new content as I expand my own knowledge. I plan to introduce more religions and regions in the near future, ensuring that the platform becomes a more comprehensive resource.

How It Works

The design of the website is straightforward, ensuring users can get started quickly. Upon visiting the site, users are greeted by the home page. By clicking on the "Start Exploring" button, they are directed to the "Exploring" page, where they are introduced to the platform and how it works. This simple navigation helps users easily dive into the content and begin their journey of discovery.

Currently, the website offers content for four religions. By clicking on the button for each religion, users can view a selection of artworks related to that specific faith.

Exploring the Site

I chose Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic painting, "The Last Supper," as the starting point to explore Christianity because of its profound symbolic significance within the faith.

This masterpiece depicts one of the most pivotal moments in Christian theology: Jesus’ final meal with his disciples before his crucifixion, during which he establishes the sacrament of the Eucharist. The painting not only captures the dramatic tension of the moment but also embodies themes of betrayal, forgiveness, and divine love—cornerstones of Christian belief.

Its widespread recognition and intricate symbolism make it an ideal entry point for users to begin understanding the deeper meanings behind Christian art and its connection to spiritual teachings.

Deconstructing the Masterpiece

When you click on a specific part of the painting, a white circle will highlight the selected element, drawing your attention to its exact location within the artwork. Next to the highlighted element, a text box appears, providing detailed information about the object or feature.

Cross-Cultural Connections

This section explores how the same symbolic object or theme appears in different religious contexts. For instance, the bread in "The Last Supper" represents the body of Christ in Christianity, symbolizing sacrifice and unity. In Islam, bread also holds significant meaning as a symbol of sustenance and blessings from Allah. Similarly, in Hinduism, offerings of food, including bread-like items, are used to honor deities, symbolizing devotion and the cycle of giving and receiving.
By comparing these elements, users can see how different faiths interpret similar symbols in unique ways while also recognizing the universal threads that tie them together.

Here is more artworks from other religions.
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From intricate patterns in Islamic art to vibrant depictions of deities in Hinduism and serene representations of Buddha in Buddhism, these artworks offer a window into the sacred and the profound.

Take a moment to appreciate the beauty and complexity of these visual traditions.