Ukranian expert delivers an authentic icon for the Kimberley.
By Robert Hiini
AN icon painted by artist and world iconography expert Roman Vasylyk was unveiled in Broome’s Our Lady of Peace Cathedral on Sunday June 7.
Broome Bishop, Christopher Saunders, unveiled the icon of Our Lady of Peace after a Mass, having invited the Ukrainian Professor, with his interpreter Bohdan Mykytiuk, to paint and teach in the diocese.
While in Broome, the Professor shared his talents and knowledge with eight St Mary’s College students, teaching them the meaning inherent in an icon’s elements before helping them with “writing” their own.
He also gave a public lecture on iconography at the University of Notre Dame’s Broome Campus, reflecting on his life in Ukraine, where his brother, a bishop, and his father were imprisoned by the former communist regime for their religious belief. Professor Vasylyk was nineteen-years-old before he first met them upon their release.
According to Professor Vasylyk, the preparation needed to write an icon is demanding, involving fasting, prayer and meditation. The iconographer simply doesn’t sit down and begin to paint; he prepares himself spiritually.
Professor Vasylyk’s icons are characterised by their architectural style and spirituality. He met extensively with parishioners and local people to discuss and gather inspiration for the icon incorporating elements of traditional Aboriginal art in its design.
A media staffer for the diocese described the icon as ‘a real spiritual treasure’ and as ‘a reflection of the Kimberley and the Catholic Church as one.’