Heavenly Beings: Icons of the Christian Orthodox World

Overview

Whether you're religious, an art enthusiast or just curious about the role art played in the Christian Orthodox faith, a stunning new exhibition at Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki is sure to impress.

Heavenly Beings: Icons of the Christian Orthodox World is a groundbreaking exhibition of 118 paintings on wooden panels depicting the sacred subjects of early Christianity from across the world, dating from as far back as 1350 to 1800. Household name saints such as Nicholas, George, Elijah and Paraskeva shimmer against gold backgrounds in these works, painted to serve as "windows into heaven" during prayer sessions.

The exhibition brings together masters like Cretans, Angelos Akotantos, Andreas Pavias, Nikolaos Tzafouris and Constantine Tzanes. Sourced from both public and private collections across Australia and Aotearoa, this glimpse into history is the most ambitious exhibition of icons to be staged in Australasia, according to organisers.

Running from 10am-5pm daily until Sunday, September 18, spots must be booked to check out the extensive collection.  Individual tickets for adults will set you back $24.50, while seniors, community card holders and student passes all cost $19.50pp. As part of the exhibition, internationally renowned iconographer Aidan Hart is running a two-day workshop on icon painting in August, which will allow attendees to create their own egg tempera paint, learn the techniques of traditional iconography and walk away with a unique piece of their own.