Description:
The relationship between Hellenism and Orthodoxy will be explored in an exhibit and lecture series at Sacramento State from January to May. The series kicks off with “Hellenism & Orthodoxy: Sacred Images,” an exhibit focusing on Orthodox icons and running Jan. 23 through March 2, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays in the main gallery of the University Library.
An opening reception will be held in the gallery on Sunday, Jan. 27 with a social hour from 6 to 7 p.m. followed by a presentation and discussion on “Sensual Splendor: The Icon in Byzantium” by Bissera V. Pentcheva, assistant professor of art history at Stanford University.
The exhibition is sponsored by Sacramento State’s Hellenic Studies Program and Tsakopoulos Hellenic Foundation, and the American Hellenic Professional Society, but will feature works from other Orthodox traditions, such as Romanian, Ukrainian and Serbian, says Katerina Lagos, assistant professor of history and director of the Hellenic Studies Program. “We’re going to see some of the similarities between the Greek icons and those from the other churches,” she says. An icon is a religious image that combines art and text. While usually depicted on wood, Lagos says it can be created on canvas or other formats. The exhibit will feature icons from various part of the Orthodox world, both old and new, some created specifically for this show. “We’re getting a really good variety,” Lagos says.
The Orthodox Church is divided into bodies based on nationalities and the language used in the service. From there, other social attributes each may have adopted makes them unique from one another. The exhibit explores how Orthodoxy manifests itself in these different fashions and contexts. The exhibit is just part of a greater event that includes a series of lectures focusing specifically on the role of Hellenism in the Orthodox religion
Date:
Jan. 23 - March 2, Tue - Sat
Time:
Daily, 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Location:
Sacramento State Library Gallery