Oksana Gubareva
Jewelry company «Akimov», Russia
An icon shows metaphorical forms of thinking. A metaphor is an ontologic basis of creation of a meaning, the process which is initiated in depths of human consciousness. Such an approach to an icon changes notions about the tasks of art as seen by a medieval icon painter. It is not a problem of dematerialization of a created icon-painting image (by way of light, flattening, so-called “reverse perspective” and other stylistic devices which are traditionally pointed out by iconology), but creation of an entire microcosm, an image perfectly fitted in the Divine macrocosm that appears to be major one.
The integrity and metaphorical nature of icon-painting, its deep aesthetic basis are closely linked with cosmogonic concepts of the Church Fathers. Aesthetic views of Aurelius Augustinus give a chance to formulate fundamental art principles predestining theological and esthetic integrity of an icon. Among them there are the following ones: rhythmic composition, interaction of the parts and the whole according to the principle of similarity, symmetry and antitheses; stratification of a compositional image; polysemy of an art text and context; the principle of Christocentrism.
Such theological categories of an icon as a duality and an antinomy (i. e. simultaneous existence of an artistic image materially and spiritually), synergy of a creative action of the God and a human in it are at the same time aesthetic categories. An antinomy and duality in an icon are not only a depiction of God-man’s Form in it, but also synergy in its liturgical action. This is also a creative interaction of the God and a human: personal work of an artist at creation of an icon is as important as conciliarity of initial thinking. This antinomy should not be ignored. An icon is an art work and a liturgical subject as well. The recognition of the uniqueness of a person and personal communication with the God is a hallmark of Christianity. Each particular artistic image reveals a personality of an artist who expresses his ideas with art forms and whose theological language are visual metaphors and art rhythms.