Orthodox icon in contemporary sacral space

Abstract

In this paper we tried to define a role of Orthodox icon in a modern sacred space. Because this issue is very complex, first of all, we considered essence and history of icon, to represent its purpose in sacred environment and, reviewing processes occurring in icon, we wanted to determine its function in modernity. In the framework of our work we found that "canonicity" which defines essence of icon and which is differently explained by theologians and art historians, is getting vague tone in modern space. This process is specifically reflected in certain images which we conditionally designated as "strange icons". They are completely new with their content and make some contradiction with traditional understanding of icon although they are equipped with function of sacred image-icon and are able to spread in the space of temples.

We showed that photo and portrait are modern alternatives of icon which are not perceived critically by certain part of religious society and are naturally placed in sacred space. We also noted that area of icon's distribution is quite enlarged so we can see them in non-traditional environment, along with profane image-icons. We reviewed also issue of icon's reproduction which significantly influences a change of image perceiving principle. The paper allows us to raise those important issues which, in our opinion, are emerging as questions and need more large-scale and in-depth analysis. There is necessity to more clearly determine function of icon in modern sacred space and based on this, define a ways of its future development.

Full text: PDF, 90 pages. The full text is available in Georgian. Open the paper