Markos Kampanis is a painter and muralist based in Athens, Greece. As one might expect, his work is heavily influenced by the Byzantine iconographic tradition, but the scope and potential of his work also extends well beyond that, seeking to "bridge tradition and modernity, tracing the fragile dialogue between history and the present."
Of course, many of our readers are interested in the Byzantine iconographic tradition in its own right, but one of his projects that I believe will be of particular attention was a monumental work that he completed in 2019 for Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church in Chester, Illinois, a project which picked up on distinctly Romanesque influences. Speaking to the project, Kampanis comments:
This liturgical icon depicts Christ in Majesty accompanied by the four Evangelists, represented through their traditional symbolic forms. The work was commissioned for and installed in the Church of Mary Help of Christians in Chester. Having previously seen similar works of mine, the parish commissioned an icon for the church altar in a style that would harmonize with both the sacred setting and the existing architectural character of the church. The aesthetic language draws primarily from Byzantine iconography while incorporating a distinct Romanesque influence — an approach that felt especially appropriate for a Catholic church and for a Greek artist whose work is generally rooted in the Byzantine tradition. Because of its large dimensions (290 × 173 cm), the icon was painted on canvas using acrylic paints. It was then shipped to Chester, where it was re-stretched and installed in its intended place above the altar. The color palette was developed in close consideration of the church’s existing interior decoration, ensuring visual harmony with the surrounding space. Preparatory drawings were submitted in advance for consultation and discussion prior to the execution of the final work.
The work in question was erected within the parish as a kind of altarpiece, located behind the altar in the place where a high altar and reredos would be traditionally located; this 'reredos echo' is further emphasized by its framing within a nineteenth century, gingerbread gothic style frame.
To give our readers a better sense of this beautiful, neo-Romanesque work, here is a closer look at the completed work during its process of installation installation:
It is a beautiful and profound work to say the least, and one can certainly see how the approach taken here is something entirely harmonious with the Latin rite tradition.
For those interested in the process of the design, creation and installation of this piece, LAJ was provided with the following images that will show the project from its initial design concept through the process of creation and installation.
-------
Do you like Liturgical Arts Journal's original content? You can help support LAJ in its mission and vision to promote beauty in Catholic worship either by:
You choose the amount! Your support makes all the difference.
