Iconography by Tatjana Mirkov-Popovicki
Symbols From The Past
Much has been written
and much can be learned about the historical, spiritual and religious
significance of icons. Even though I have been exposed to icons early in
my childhood, I fully experienced their power after I myself have
"written" an icon. To "write" an icon is a humbling
experience - no other form of art has so many strict rules imposed by the
many generations of iconographers from the past. The way a scene is
selected, the small degree of modification that is allowed, the symbols
that must be respected, the colors that are allowed...and in a surprising
way all those rules actually liberate the iconographer to open up to the
lessons passed on from the past, and to add their own small contribution
to the icon being created. The icon ends up not being a
"picture" but a powerful message of the ideals that the humanity
has been reaching out for.
Images on icons have a strong religious use with many Christians, but they have even stronger idealistic meaning that in my opinion rises above any religion and reaches into the core of the human ideals. As you explore these icons, try to recognize some of the symbols and messages sent to us from the past.
