The King Charles Foundation rings in the new year with a striking new exhibition combining sacred tradition with visual spectacle, opening on Tuesday in the atmospheric Garrison Chapel at Chelsea Barracks.
The free show celebrates the work of 10 emerging icon painters and marks the charity’s 35th anniversary in a fitting artistic style.
Described by organizers as a “spiritual encounter” and a “visual delight”, the exhibition showcases complex works created by students from the King’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts.
Each piece reflects the centuries-old discipline of icon painting, brought to life by a new generation of artists.
Aidan Hart, director and tutor of the Shrewsbury-based Certified Icon Painting course, promises visitors more than just a walk through the gallery.
“Those who attend the exhibition will be in for a real treat for the eyes,” he said, “and may find a different kind of beauty.”
Visitors will not only get a snapshot of the students’ talents, but they will see almost the entire story.
The works on display represent approximately 80 percent of what the artists produced during their three-year career, making the exhibition closer to a grand finale than a simple show.
The part-time program is as rigorous as it is reverent.
Over three years, students must complete seven major works: two head studies, two busts, two full figures, and an ambitious “festival” icon depicting a pivotal moment in the life of Christ or the Virgin Mary.
As course director Aidan Hart explained, there is nothing to hide behind a single masterpiece.
“As part of the program, students must display at least six of the seven icons they have created,” he said.
