A new exhibition by iconographer Michael Galovic in Canberra this March explores humanity’s capacity for destruction and the hope found in Jesus Christ.
Galovic will present his latest body of work titled Kyrie Eleison (‘Lord, have mercy’) opening 12 March at the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture in Barton.
The exhibition will run until 20 March, open daily 10.30am–3.30pm, with Galovic himself present to meet visitors and discuss the works.
The paintings juxtapose scenes of devastation with the solemn beauty of sacred iconography. First prompted by the shock of the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States, they broaden to reflect humanity’s recurring cycles of violence while pointing toward redemption in Christ.
Galovic said the horrific and tragic events immediately struck him as artistically compelling, but his aim was never simply to dwell on tragedy.
Rather than despairing at the world’s woundedness, the exhibition seeks to place them within the larger Christian story.
“I immediately saw that I could create something from it, another kind of artwork, so that we are not left simply feeling victimised,” he told The Catholic Weekly.
“Destruction and our propensity to harm one another are part of the human condition. We have done this throughout history, but we should not lose hope, because there is always Christ. Christianity sustains us in all of these things.”
Serbian-born Galovic, who has lived in Australia since 1990, is internationally recognised for uniting traditional Eastern Christian icon techniques with contemporary sacred themes.
Kyrie Eleison continues his exploration and invitation for others to contemplate with him the wounds of the world and God’s constant offering of grace.
An accompanying booklet includes reflections from former The Catholic Weekly editor Adam Wesselinoff, art historian and theologian Dr Rod Pattenden.
