St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in downtown Chattanooga is hosting “Icons in Transformation,” a stunning 180-piece traveling art exhibit featuring the contemporary icons of abstract expressionist Ludmila Pawlowska. After touring cathedrals and churches throughout Europe and the U.S, the exhibit will be displayed through November 9 at St. Paul’s Church.
Featuring paintings and sculptures created over the past decade, “Icons in Transformation” explores the interaction between traditional religious icons painted at Vassilevsky Monastery in Russia and Pawlowska’s own artwork, which explores what it means to be known, seen and loved by God.
Pawlowska, a Russian native currently living in Sweden, is an internationally acclaimed artist in her field. Her work has earned rave reviews, and has been described as “highly original, in-your-face abstract art with a deeply spiritual feel.” Her modern three-dimensional artwork incorporates traditional icon elements such as the use of eyes, metallic paints, and the colors red, blue, and gold – while at the same time bending the rules through the use of sculpture, collage, large-scale wood panels, natural stone, fabric, and even handwriting in multiple languages.
Pawlowska’s artwork is dramatically displayed throughout St. Paul’s Church – including in the narthex, corridors, and even suspended from the arches of the nave.
There will many events and activities associated with this two-month exhibition – including docent-guided tours, guest speakers, icon-inspired art classes for children and youth, music events, and special evenings for quiet contemplation. Additional works will be shown at Second Presbyterian Church, located across Pine Street.
For more information about the artist and more photos of the “Icons in Transformation” exhibit, visit www.ludmilapawlowska.se.
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church is located at 305 West Seventh Street.