July 27, 2024 - January 5, 2025

Contemporary Gallery

Curator: Sarah Vargas, FAM Curator

From the Greek word for image, an icon in the tradition of the Orthodox Christian Church is a representation of a holy figure. This artistic tradition dates back to ancient Byzantine Empire (330–1453 CE), centered on Constantinople (now Istanbul) and whose art and culture was heavily influenced by Greek traditions infused with Christian theology. The majority of Byzantine works of art were created in service to the Church or the Christian faith. However, icons are not merely decorative works of religious-themed art but objects of complex symbolism that act as an aid to worship which allow direct communication with the sacred figures represented.

While Byzantium fell to the Ottomans in 1453, the cultural heritage had spread far beyond the confines of Constantinople. The Orthodox Christian Church continued to uphold many of the artistic traditions including icon painting. Wood panel paintings are the most common form associated with icons but they were, and still are, crafted from a variety of media and range in size from tiny to monumental. Icon painting continues as a religious tradition, still imitating the Byzantine style so that modern icons differ little in style and content from those created in the Middle Ages. The icons included in this exhibition range in date from the 16th century to the modern day and are an example of an enduring ancient tradition. This exhibition is presented in celebration of the 100th anniversary of St. George Greek Orthodox Church of Fresno, the Fresno Art Museum’s neighbor to the west.

Sponsored by Janice and Harold Nikoghosian