Live Icon Painting with Elizabeth Brookbanks

Join us for an intimate encounter with Icon painting! Visual artist, Elizabeth Brookbanks, will be copying an icon of ‘The Three Hierachs’, in miniature. The original icon is from Murom, 17th century, (107.5 x 73 cm). The icon displays three Byzantine Hierarchs of the Orthodox church.

In this two hour session, Elizabeth will share the intention of the icon which is to usher the viewer into a place of reverence and contemplation. Contemporary culture often sabotages and challenges this space for consideration. The labour of the icon centres not only the spectator but also the artisan. The eye is easily seduced by the ornate glow of pure gold, once enticed the spectator is enchanted by the subject matter.

Elizabeth is a practicing artist based in Aotearoa New Zealand. Her work explores ideas around authenticity and the experiential encounter of art objects in time and place. Her primary interest explores issues of authenticity within contemporary art practice. Her contemporary works explore complexities around originality and copy through reproducing religious icons.

Elizabeth holds a BA Otago University; BFA (hons) Elam School of Fine Arts; BA(hons) University of Auckland; MA (Art History) University of Auckland; GradDip Theology and is currently completing her MFA at Elam. Elizabeth has enjoyed a range of contract roles within the art sector including Marketing and Public Programmes Coordinator for the 55th Venice Biennale. She has worked in various roles at the Auckland Art Gallery, Dunedin Public Art Gallery, and Auckland Museum. Elizabeth also enjoys teaching a range of art courses.