In the Orthodox Christian tradition icons are known as "windows to heaven," with the art meant to draw the mind toward the divine. Artist Ludmila Pawlowska, inspired by the sacred art of her home country of Russia, has bent the rules of traditional icons in her exhibit, "Icons in Transformation." Featured in cathedrals across Europe and in churches throughout the United States, the exhibit is now on display at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Little Rock.
Pawlowska, who lives in Sweden, used traditional icons -- sacred paintings of Christ, Mary, angels and biblical events -- as inspiration for her own artwork. She started out as a more traditional artist, painting landscapes and watercolor scenes, but the death of her mother changed all that. Now she's an abstract expressionist and has "re-imagined" icons in contemporary form.
St. Mark's parishioner Jane Anne Blakney-Bailey worked with Pawlowska in setting up the exhibit and learned much about the catalyst for her work.
"When her mother died, her art changed dramatically and that's the origin behind this exhibit," Blakney-Bailey said. "She went back to Russia ... and found herself amidst these traditional icons and it was healing and she felt love and used them as inspiration."
The 150-piece exhibit includes pieces from Pawlowska, as well as traditional icons from the monks of Vassilevsky Monastery in Russia. Icons in the
Orthodox tradition are "written" (painted) layer upon layer in rich hues with each color imbued with symbolism. Gold, for example, represents the divine light. The icons can be paintings or mosaics, but traditional icons are never three-dimensional.
Pawlowska, on the other hand, uses a variety of materials for her pieces, including fabric, ceramic fragments, stone, wood and spent bullet casings. Some are grand-scale sculptures, like the Crown of Thorns in the foyer of the sanctuary or Crucifixion in the chapel which features a cross of blue and gold wrapped in tangled barbed wire. Other pieces include large panels while others are smaller in scale. Many focus on eyes and some feature hidden faces or figures. Pawlowska also wrote messages or letters to her mother in several pieces in English, Russian and Swedish.
The pieces are displayed throughout the sanctuary, chapel, parish hall and gallery. Parishioners trained as docents are available to guide visitors and answer questions about the artwork.
Pawlowska shares her view of her work in exhibit literature. She says, "My reliefs do not realistically represent any events or figures, rather they make sentiments and feelings visible or a moment of truth life."
"What fascinates me most in the art of icons is the deep sensitivity they radiate. When I am looking at an icon I am irresistibly attracted. Looking into the eyes of Maria's icon feels like an encounter with the unknown and boundless deep. Something awakens inside me -- I can just be quiet, just lose myself in its depth, just listen ... an unexpected insight can flow through me -- an impulse, a God's presence is there."
The Rev. Danny Schieffler, rector of the church, said he enjoys viewing both traditional and contemporary icons and loves the "synergy of the traditional and the new."
A few traditional icons are featured on pedestals around the altar area and Schieffler said he finds himself stopping during Communion, his attention drawn by the holy scenes.
"It's made me realize how important beauty is to the world," he said.
The Rev. Lisa Fry, associate rector, said one of her favorite pieces is in the chapel. It's a representation of Jesus, with His eyes as the focal point.
"When I'm sitting here in prayer, when I look in the eyes it's almost like God is looking at me," she said.
Fry said the color in much of Pawlowska's art has enhanced the worship space of the sanctuary. She's already lamenting the loss of the pieces in August when the exhibit moves on to San Antonio.
"I love the color," she said. "It's really amazing in this space."
The exhibit is free and open to the public 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 6-8 p.m. Wednesday and 1-3 p.m. Sunday through Aug. 17. The parish is also offering a few special events in conjunction with the exhibit, including Icons: A Doorway to God at 6:30 p.m. June 10. Clergy from the church and the Rev. Nicholas Verdaris, priest at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Little Rock, will discuss icons, as well as how they can be used in contemplative prayer and other forms of worship. A program for children ages 4-10 will be offered at the same time. Children will make a collage angel of mixed media on canvas and discuss the place of angels in the birth and resurrection of Jesus.
On July 12, the Rev. Joanna Siebert, deacon at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in North Little Rock, will present Praying With Icons at 1 p.m. An Icon Art Day for children will also be held at that time.
Schieffler said all the art in the exhibit is available for sale and the majority of proceeds go to charity, including the Scandinavian Art Center, Vassilevsky Monastery and the artist-in-residence program at Arkansas Children's Hospital. A portion, 30 percent, goes to the artist. A list of prices is available at the exhibit. Information about Pawlowska is available online at ludmilapawlowska.se.
St. Mark's Episcopal Church is at 1000 N. Mississippi St. Information is available online at st-marks.com or by calling (501) 225-4203. The exhibit will be closed June 8 and July 13-19. Reservations for children's workshops can be made by contacting Susan Bannister by email at sfbannister13@yahoo.com.
Religion on 05/24/2014