We are delighted to host Between Heaven & Earth, an iconography exhibition this March.

Between Heaven & Earth features the work of Hay-on-Wye based artists Petro Birov and Christina Watson who met through their shared passion of icon writing. The exhibition, which runs from Tuesday 25 March to Thursday 24 April, will feature icons created by both artists which will bring the viewer closer to God, and provide a space for reflection during the Lenten period and Holy Week.

Icons are religious works of art which depict sacred individuals or moments and act as a spiritual aid. The process of icon writing is a sacred one which begins with prayer before intensive preparations of the materials including the application of gold leaf to the final piece.

Following the outbreak of conflict in Ukraine Petro, who has twenty years’ experience in Byzantine Art, sought sanctuary in Hay-on-Wye where he met a friend of Christina who put the two in touch. Christina has worked locally as a sign writer and artist for over 45 years and began practising the art of icon writing fourteen years ago following a visit to the Coptic Christian Churches in Old Cairo. Whilst living in Ukraine, Petro founded the iconography studio ‘Icon Experience’ and was the curator of a team of artists and craftspeople as well as a workshop tutor.

The Revd Canon James Pacey, Chancellor of Hereford Cathedral, said, “I am delighted that we are able to host Between Heaven & Earth at the cathedral this Lent. Having such a beautiful and spiritual exhibition on display at a time in which we invite people to pray and reflect is truly a gift. We are incredibly grateful to Petro and Christina for sharing their works with us and hope that visitors are as moved by the exhibition as we are.”

Between Heaven & Earth will be available to view in the South Transept of Hereford Cathedral from Tuesday 25 March to Thursday 24 April in cathedral opening hours. During the exhibition, Petro and Christina will be working in the South Transept on selected dates to allow members of the public to witness the process of icon writing and ask any questions they may have - please see dates below.

Wednesday 26 March	10am – 2pm	Petro
Thursday 27 March	11am – 2pm	Christina
Wednesday 2 April	10am – 2pm	Christina
Saturday 5 April	10am – 12pm	Christina
Friday 11 April	10am – 12pm	Petro
Saturday 12 April	10am – 2pm	Petro
Wednesday 23 April	10am – 2pm	Christina

            

 

Banner image: Petro & Christina at the Parish Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Hay-on-Wye