Ludmila Pawlowska

born 1964 Kazakhstan, lives Sweden

Crown of Thorns, 2007
Always With You, 2009
Your Face I Am Looking For, 2010

mixed media on panel

After the loss of her mother in 1997, Ludmilla Pawlowska’s artistic journey took a profound turn. A deep exploration of religion replaced her once typical landscapes and florals as a source of comfort in her grief. Her visits to various churches led her to find solace in the imagery of Jesus, the saints, and other Christian icons. Through her art, she creates an intimate space that invites the viewer to reflect and introspect.

These works were part of Icons of Transformation, a traveling exhibition that Calvary hosted in 2011.  Works were displayed throughout Calvary’s buildings, including in the Nave.

Says Pawlowska: “Today we dare to approach holiness in a completely different way; religion is more open to personal interpretation.  For Icons in Transformation, I have been working with different techniques—painting, installation, and sculpture—using collage.  Here I am already bending the rules which define a traditional icon. Even though the motive, form and composition in my work departs from (or violates) tradition, it is the point from which I am beginning to push boundaries. The icon has a spiritual power which comes from the icon itself, a kind of light. To create and capture a light has always been the most difficult and greatest challenge to artists through the centuries. These works are my attempt to capture light in my own way.”

Generously given by the Rev. Audrey Taylor Gonzalez