| tel: +7(495)930-40-64 |
| mobile phone: +7 926 460–1715 |
| email: |
| www: http://waytomoscow.com |
|
The Secret World of the Russian Icon The group meets once a week in one of the members' flats. They arrive one by one, chattering and laughing as they take off their outer garments. But as they proceed to the dining-room they leave the outside world behind: each pulls out a wooden board carefully wrapped in an unprepossessing towel or sheet to uncover their very own exquisite rendition of a Russian church icon, as professional-looking as any in the local Orthodox churches or museum. In silence they work round the dining table, totally engrossed in the world of their icon. In one corner of the room, a man grinds minerals and stones on a diamond board, and mixes the colors with egg yolk and vinegar, just as they did in the 13th century. They start from an etched drawing on a bare board covered in gesso. Then they add layers of clay, gold, pigment washes and successive coats of highlights in strict order, a process which can take a few months. Who are these people? Theology students? Professional artists? "In fact," said Sergei Tarasyan, the icon-painting teacher who has been guiding the group for over 10 years now, "most are not Orthodox. Actually, many are not even believers, but something draws them to the world of icons, and once hit by the bug they keep coming back." They are all ladies, mostly members of the International Women's Club (IWC), who often sign up for this activity group by chance. It is one of many other activities in the Club, like oil-painting, Russian architecture or embroidery. But now they are totally hooked. "I was struck by the beauty and harmony of the icons," said Kay, a diminutive Japanese lady with a big, infectious smile who has been studying the art for 5 years. "I couldn't believe that anyone could do this, that you didn't have to be a monk or a professional artist to paint these beautiful icons. I felt I just had to try it." Her icon of John the Baptist positively radiates light. "I wanted to find out more about Orthodoxy and about the fascination with icons in this religion. What better way to understand Russia." Kay feels it has indirectly taught her a lot about her own beliefs. Alla Zbinovsky, who was hosting the event on this day, felt the same way. "I was struck by the beauty and stillness in the icons I saw at the IWC meeting. I wanted to find out more about my own religious roots." Alla, an American who teaches at the Anglo-American School, has Russian émigré parents still living in New York. As for Mr. Tarasyan, he grew up under Communism when all forms of religion were banned. "One day I found an old icon, cleaned it up, and saw how beautiful it was," he said. "It was a very magical moment for me." It was after this that he started his own collection of icons, developing his interest in Orthodoxy whilst working in the United States during the 1980s. "We teach Russian students too, and have iconostases commissioned in various churches," explained Mr. Tarasyan. "That includes the Church of the Dormition, on Polyanka Street." Although there is a general renewal of interest among Russians and Westerners in both icons and religion, this is sometimes quite superficial and symptomatic of the general "New Age" type of ‘pick and choose' spirituality. Tarasyan illustrates this point as he corrects one of the French ladies in the group. "No, no harsh strokes with the brush," Tarasyan her. "The paint must be floated onto the surface of the board... The point of icon-painting is to obey strict rules and procedures and leave all your emotions, ego and ambitions behind, and immerse yourself in the harmonious world of the icon where all individualism disappears." "Many of the people feel very calmed by the process of icon-painting for this very reason," Mr. Tarasyan went on. "They enter the spheres of the icon and acquire a more even and balanced state of mind." But this is no haphazard process. The rules of icon-painting are as strict as they are effective. Hand positions and the tilt of the head express calm and submission. The discipline expresses the other-worldliness of the subject matter, outside time and space, outside the world of linearity. Every person and object represented on the icon has its own color and shape, which corresponds to its own true nature, not to its earthly nature. These colors and shapes act upon our subconscious mind. The Archangel Michael, for example, is always dressed in red, a color closer to the earthly world, while Gabriel is in blue, which expresses a higher spiritual sphere; this reflects the Archangels' respective roles as intermediaries between man and God. Seraphim are shown with wings only and no earthly body, as they are totally spiritual creatures. Westerners sometime have trouble with this strict compliance, and even the ladies in the group occasionally rebel against these seemingly meaningless requirements. After all, Western culture teaches us to ‘do our own thing' and stand out from the crowd. Orthodoxy, like many Eastern religions, believes that the road to contentment and indeed to salvation lies in self-effacement and acceptance of a higher order and its rules. The harmonious effect and softness expressed in the face of the Virgin in an icon is a direct result of this observance of strict canons of icon painting. And however much they rebel against the rules, somehow, something of this harmony does communicate itself to our painting ex-pats, and they keep coming back. Anne Julian, a member from the U.S. agreed. "Icon-painting has become a vital part of my life. I am a practicing Roman Catholic, and I find that icon-painting has deepened my faith. Also, it's a wonderful way to get to know women from all over the world, from Christian and other denominations. We learn about each other's faiths, but most of all the Russian Orthodox faith. We all have the same roots, and this ancient Byzantine art culminated in Russia, so it is very appropriate to be studying icon-painting here. It's been one of the wonderful things about my stay." When it came to lunchtime, all boards were set aside and Kay brought in some home-made Japanese sushis. Mkens sana in corpore sano... and a good time was had by all! |
 |
|
Culture
|
|
||
|
|
|