International Art Exhibition Brings Sacred Contemporary Works to Immanuel Lutheran Church

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A traveling museum-quality exhibition featuring more than 100 contemporary interpretations of sacred Russian Orthodox iconography will open at Immanuel Lutheran Church & Schools this September.

"Icons in Transformation," created by Russian-Swedish artist Ludmila Pawlowska, runs Sept. 8 through Nov. 16 and transforms traditional religious imagery through abstract expressionism and mixed-media techniques. The free exhibition will be installed in both the church sanctuary and Graumann-Pingel Hall at 5455 Alessandro Blvd.

"Icons in Transformation brings together contemporary expression and sacred tradition in a way that invites spiritual reflection and emotional connection," said the Rev. Dr. Steven Borst of Immanuel Lutheran Church. "We hope this exhibit becomes a space for beauty, contemplation, and community."

The exhibition includes large-format wood panels, sculptures and richly textured paintings using materials such as steel, fabric, Plexiglas and found objects. Since 2011, it has been displayed at more than 40 cathedrals and churches across the United States and Europe, with each installation uniquely adapted to its host setting.

Clockwise from top left: “Eycon,” “Glory Ukraine,” “New” and “Why I.” (Courtesy of Ludmila Pawlowska)

Pawlowska, born in Karaganda, Kazakhstan, to Ukrainian parents, created the exhibition following her mother's sudden death as a personal journey toward healing. Critics have described her work as "contemplative abstraction" that transmits "light, calm, and emotional depth."

The Riverside installation will feature 12 large-scale wood panels among its highlights, displayed alongside 15 traditional icons created in the workshop of the Vassilevsky Monastery.

Most artworks will be available for purchase and can be collected after the exhibition closes. Proceeds from the gala, sponsorships and art sales, after expenses, will support Immanuel schools. Pawlowska has pledged to donate 60% of her proceeds from artwork sales to aid families displaced by the war in Ukraine through relief organizations.

More information: The exhibition opens to the public Monday, Sept. 8, with free admission on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m. Guided tours for groups of 10 or more will be available by reservation beginning in August. An opening gala is set for Sunday, Sept. 7, at Victoria Country Club, featuring a 5 p.m. ribbon cutting at the church followed by the 6 p.m. gala. Tickets are $75, and artist Pawlowska will attend. For sponsorships, gala tickets and tour reservations, email icons@ilcs-riverside.org or call (951) 682-7613. More details at immanuelriverside.com/icons.