Zoya Lisowska's icons on stone exhibited at show in Switzerland (02/15/04)

Zoya Lisowska's icons on stone exhibited at show in Switzerland

by Maria Lukianowicz

CRANS-Près-CÈLIGNY, Switzerland - An exhibition of icons by the Ukrainian painter Zoya Lisowska was held January 17 in Crans-Pres-Céligny, near Geneva, in Switzerland. This was a large show, consisting of twenty nine works, painted on a particular type of slate called Ardoise du Valais. The stones were gathered by the artist in the Alps, and their shapes determined the forms of the icons themselves.

The works were inspired by traditional Ukrainian icons, spanning a long history from the 12th century to the present day. The style also ranged from works influenced by the Kyiv school iconography of the 15th and 17th centuries, the popular folk style of the 19th century, and contemporary works.

The themes, although various, concentrate mainly on the subject of the "Madonna and Child." Among the treatment of traditional motifs were those of eleusa, hodigitria and oranta. Other themes, more in the popular folk style, included archangels and saints, together with their particular attributes, (e.g., St. George killing the dragon, St. Elijah on a fiery chariot). Also comprising the exhibit were several non-conventional icons by the artist constituting a more free and personal interpretation of sacred religious images.

The colors used in the icons range from cool and subtle to vibrant and rich tones. Some of the works are also gilded, producing a concentration of power, but at the same time a delicacy and tenderness of feeling. Overall, the impression created by the works is one of intensity and great spirituality. Also evident is a deep understanding and reverence both to the subject matter itself, and to the artistic Ukrainian tradition which inspired it.

The exhibition opening was well attended, and many of the icons were immediately sold.

Ms. Lisowska, who has previously exhibited in Europe, the United States, Canada, and Brazil, has been invited to present further exhibits of her icons in Switzerland. She also has plans to exhibit her paintings both in Switzerland and in the United States.

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