s
An Exhibition of Contemporary Religious Artby Robert Lentz
Exhibited at the Marian Library: July 6 - August 27, 1993
Robert Lentz's icons, which now number over seventy, are a blend of the classical and contemporary. His family's Russian Orthodox background, as well as a period of study with a master iconographer, supply two of the elements which have influenced his iconography. Departures from the classical in Mr. Lentz's contemporary technique include using English and inclusive language on his icons, as well as using "witnesses" as subjects who have not officially been recognized by the Church as saints. The icons incorporate varied cultures and ethnic traditions. "The creation of icons and images inspired by ancestral spiritual traditions rises from the conviction that they can become a source of renewal and new life for many conventional religious traditions." Accordingly, Mr. Lentz states: "[The icons] are much more than a picture.... It makes present something that is sacred so that the person worshipping has a mystical way of touching the divine." Robert Lentz sees in "the spirit and beauty of the icon the expression of a common ground between spirituality, justice and a love of creation." In addition, Mr. Lentz believes that the "painter must be in touch with the divine mystery for the painting to have soul." One location where Mr. Lentz's work may be seen is Saint Francis Cathedral in Santa Fe, New Mexico. In 1988 he completed the reredos in the sanctuary after working on-site for two years. It is composed of fourteen life-sized North American and South American saints.
Trinity Stores distributes Mr. Lentz's icons
in various formats. See their Web site at www.trinitystores.com WORKS ON DISPLAY
Christ the Bridegroom , 12"x15", plaqueCompassion Mandala , 12"x15", plaqueCrucifixion , 11"x14", photographDorothy Day of New York , 12"x15", plaqueJuan Diego and the Miracle of Guadalupe , 12"x15", plaqueHoly Wisdom , 12"x15", plaqueJesus Christ: Liberator , 12"x15", plaqueJesus Christ: Pantocrator , 12"x15", plaqueKateri Tekakwitha of the Iroquois , 12"x15", plaqueKorsun Mother of God , 11"x14", photographLion of Judah , 12"x15", plaqueThe Meeting of St. Francis and St. Clare , 12"x15", plaqueMother Jones of America , 11"x14", photographMother of God: Mother of the Streets , 12"x15", plaqueMother of God: Perpetual Help , 12"x15", plaqueMother of God: Protectress of the Oppressed , 11"x14", photographMother of the Disappeared , 12"x15", plaqueNavaho Madonna , 12"x15", plaqueOur Lady of Mount Carmel , 11"x14", photographOscar Romero of El Salvador , 12"x15", plaqueSt. Joseph of Nazareth , 12"x15", plaqueSt. Louise de Marillac , 12"x15", plaqueSt. Mary Magdalene , 12"x15", plaqueSt. Rose of Lima , 11"x14", photographSt. Teresa of Avila , 11"x14", photograph
|