Contemporary Icon Painting — A Living Tradition or Business?

Icon painting is an ancient craft that evolved in the early Christian era. Since those archaic times, religious icon art has gone through considerable cultural and historical metamorphoses, and even today, it is still constantly changing. Another question is whether such a thing as contemporary icon painting even exists?

Over the last decades, this question has happened to bring a lot of discussion among the most diverse layers of society. Some call it the continuation of traditions, whereas others would skeptically compare it to a type of business. So, where does the truth lie?

To be crystal-clear from the very beginning, there is no enough evidence to prove any of the points. As history shows, such fundamental questions are subject to a long debate. Consequently, definite answers to them will emerge only with time.

The idea that contemporary icon painting is the evolved art of the bygone days is quite a popular opinion. First and foremost, we all should agree that it has the right to exist and thrive. In fact, there are many talented icon painters who are plodding away at creating new-era religious icons and developing the current icon painting tradition. No one argues that customs have changed over time, but it does not deny the fact that the craft is alive and kicking.

However, such an interpretation cuts no ice with people who believe that what we call contemporary iconography is but a concealed form of business. Apparently, the primary goal of such an establishment is to generate as much money as it is possible. Given the current trends in life, this point does make sense so that we can assume that many contemporary icon painters are not doing what they do because of their values but a desire to earn money.

Only you decide what is right and what is wrong. As for the final verdict, let time do its job and just keep your eyes open.