Kost Markovych

Icon art is one of the most significant areas of my artwork. Actually, it is also the most artistic one, especially if the icon created is not intended for the church. However, I create a lot of those too, but lately, plain-air and expositional paintings predominate — those that allow experimenting to some extent. These experiments, however, have to do with the form and the composition of my paintings, sometimes the technique, rather than the essence of the icon as it is. I still try to keep my icons within their sacred purpose, both stylistically and conceptually. That is to say, I do not seek originality for its own sake but rather wish that icons transmit the spirit of love, faith, and hope. So I try to make them as soft and warm as possible. If you compare my church and exhibition icons, they will not be strikingly different.
Icon art is likely the most exquisite and refined manner of knowing God and expressing His love in an artistic way. This kind of art, of course, requires constant self-improvement of the artist's personality.