Iconography-Inspired Sacred Art

On these pages you'll find stylised representations of holy figures that draw on the methods and techniques of traditional iconography. Some of the women here consider themselves traditional iconographers, who have taken the practice into the twenty-first century. They might represent holy figures who are yet to be recognised by the Church, but have nonetheless occupied an important, inspirational place in female, Christian, or minority communities. Perhaps they have found a way to apply acrylic - a medium that didn't exist in the early Church - in a manner that replicates the effect of egg tempera. Or they might use traditional methods to depict figures that are recognised by the Church, while drawing on techniques that are more modern and realistic - making use of Renaissance perspective and depicting facial features as they would appear in the physical world.

The artists here, like traditional iconographers, want to draw you into a meeting with a holy figure. Some view themselves as radicals. They break from tradition to create space for women in sacred art and history. Others see themselves as building on iconographic traditions by incorporating modern artistic and theological ideas. They believe all artforms and beliefs change and grow over time. In their eyes, innovations allow iconography to remain a living and enduring form of sacred art.