Past Exhibitions

An exhibition of forty-six vibrant contemporary icons by sixteen iconographers from the Prosopon School of Iconology and Iconography explored the recent renaissance of the ancient tradition of icon painting. The exhibition featured icons by the founder of the school, Vladislav Andrejev, along with works by master iconographers, instructors, and apprentices. It was assembled by iconographer, Prosopon School instructor, and collector Lynette Hull.

These iconographers have followed the oldest Byzantine Orthodox traditions, yet the icons have a distinct style. The depth and luminosity, achieved through careful layering of transparent glazes of pigment, along with their signature prismatic highlights lend them a vitality and energy reflective of the school’s American experience. Since its founding in 2000, the Prosopon School, among the first American schools of iconography, has introduced thousands of students worldwide to the sacred art of the Christian East. Visitors to the exhibition encounter the icons as they would within an Orthodox church, beginning with depictions of events and persons from Hebrew scripture that would be found in the narthex (or vestibule); and continuing with icons that would surround the congregation in the nave including images of Jesus and his mother Mary (known in the Christian East as the Theotokos, Greek for “God-bearer”) and icons of the principal feasts of the Christian liturgical year. The exhibition concludes with icons that are mystical in nature, that would be found in the sanctuary or altar, behind the iconostasis, or in the homes of believers.