The artist, Dr Irina Bradley, is one of the leading iconographers in the UK and her works have been exhibited at Buckingham Palace, Christchurch Cathedral in Oxford, Cumberland Lodge in Great Windsor Park, and other prestigious venues.
There are approximately 75 pieces in this new exhibition, entitled ‘Metamorphosis’, including a new icon of St Magnus Erlendsson. The image is based on the recent facial reconstruction of the saint, which in turn drew on photographs from the 1920s of what is said to be the skull of the 12th Century Norse earl: Face of Orkney's St Magnus reconstructed - BBC News
Irina's icons are created to be prayerful meditations which focus on the the transformation which takes place in the souls of the faithful. While working on the icon of St Magnus, Irina said it was as though the saint was staring into her soul.
Before she began work on the icon, Irina made a pilgrimage to St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall in Orkney to allow her to connect with the saint. While there, she was allowed to examine a representation of the family tree of St Magnus and was surprised to discover that the saint and her husband share a common ancestor.
Irina is an orthodox Christian herself and follows the tradition of icon painters from the past, who fast and pray while making their works of art. Often seen as historical art, Irina is creating contemporary icons which keep the art of iconography alive while remaining true to its principals.
The exhibition runs until 10th February 2022.
You can listen to an interview Irina did about her work with BBC Radio Orkney on 6th January 2022 by clicking on the link below.
Dr Irina Bradley interviewed about her icons - YouTube.
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