Colonial art as ethnic unifier

Abstract

The use of religious art and architecture for building community among immigrant communities in the United States is a well-documented phenomenon. But how is the use of religious culture adapted for a multinational, multi-ethnic and multiracial immigrant enclave that witnesses high levels of change and turnover? This paper draws from ethnographic work in the Catholic Church that serves the neighborhoods of Wynwood and Allapattah in Miami, Florida, to demonstrate how one religious community has used religious art and architecture to unite in the face of difference. As ‘landing neighborhoods’, these neighborhoods have historically received immigrants from a host of nations in Latin America before they move on to other areas of the city. Through the use of colonial art and architecture, in particular, Corpus Christi Catholic Church was able to build community in these diverse, low-income, and transient neighborhoods. By emphasising commonality of history and practice, faith leaders were able to use this colonial culture as a ‘strategy of action’ for creating unity amidst difference.