Synthesis of the canon and modern language: a unique exhibition “Faces of Mary – Images of Light” is held in Moscow

“Faithful Hope”, “Guardian of Love”, “Plant of Beauty”, “Protector on the Road”… All the titles of the works are taken from the ecclesiastical hymnography: for centuries, we were called this the Mother of God, but the plots for these names appeared only now thanks to the artist.

Paintings adorned the facades of houses not by chance: two days later, on October 9, in Moscow on Volkhonka in the “Art Center. Moscow” opened the exhibition “Faces of Mary – Images of Light”, which presents 18 canvases created by Veronika Ponomareva-Korzhevskaya using the traditional technique of icon painting.

The artist combines canonical images, created according to the rules that have existed for many centuries, with realism, placing them in a modern setting with the help of a background. Each work has its own story: for example, Veronika was inspired to create The Defender on the Road by an encounter with the famous Fyodor Konyukhov, a traveler, writer and priest.

“Father Fiodor was the first to circumnavigate the world in a balloon, he almost fell and died several times. To save himself, he had to throw everything from the basket – equipment, food, oxygen. But he had an icon of the Mother of God with him, and Fedor did not part with it. He still believes that the Mother of God kept him on this dangerous journey,” says Ponomareva-Korzhevskaya.

According to Veronica, she wanted to create an image that travelers who need help can turn to. “I thought for a long time what to do the background, what real example would be best, and after Father Fyodor told me his incredible and wonderful story, I decided on balloons,” she says.

The “freedoms” that the artist allows herself are limited to the background – otherwise, she observes the requirements of the canon and adheres to the lifestyle that an icon painter is obliged to lead – she observes the rule of prayer and fasting, communion and confession. However, Ponomareva-Korzhevskaya calls her works paintings, not icons.

“The icon is never signed by the author – this is the fundamental difference. Its creator acts as a conductor between heaven and earth – he “brings” the icons to the material world. You can say that I took on a lot – I dared to create such a synthesis of canon and modern language,” says Veronika.

Ponomareva-Korzhevskaya is a multi-instrumental artist, and the exhibition reflects her ability to work with a variety of formats. In addition to the picturesque images of the Virgin, the exhibition includes multimedia content: light musical projections and holograms. “I would like, because I use modern language and technology, to arouse interest in the icon among the widest possible audience”, explains the author.

You can visit the exhibition “Faces of Mary – Images of Light” until November 9. In its framework, additional events will be organized: on October 27 at 7:00 p.m., a musical and poetic evening “Russian Lighthouses” will take place (you can find out more and register here), and on November 4 – the screening of the animated film “The Creation of the World” (you can find more details and register here).

For those who want to follow the news, we advise you to subscribe to exhibition group in VK: so you won’t miss any of the events associated with it. This is especially important for those who do not live in Moscow: a virtual tour will appear soon, which will allow you to get acquainted with the exhibition without leaving home.