The Revival of Iconic Portraits in the Contemporary World

Posted by GeorgeVelvet on April 26th, 2014

Iconic portraits journey to its contemporary form

According to the Eastern Christian tradition, icon portraits are a representation of some of the sacred personages and events in paintings, wood or even in mosaic. After the dispute on the religious function and the meanings of various icons during 8th-9th century, the Eastern Church stated that Jesus Christ can be represented in paintings and pictures. As icons form an important part of the Church, they serve as the medium of information for the many uneducated faithful. For example, a shielding from alter surrounded with icons depict church feasts and also the then popular saints. However, iconic portraits are thus referred to as symbolic art and its function is to convey in line as well as colour the theological preaching of the Church. Well, then, today the concept of iconic painting is way different than that of the traditional ones. This contemporary art though is religiously influence, portrays religious iconic personalities such as Pope.

Additionally in the fraternity of art, today the term ‘iconic’ defines some of the prominent figures of the society, whether they are religious or political personas. Similarly, other than creating portraits of religious figures, the artists have taken the initiative of painting portraits of various celebs. You may find iconic portraits of Charles Saatchi, Hitler, Pope and many more. From presidents, religious leaders to politicians, you can find paintings of almost all the eminent personalities of the past and present society.

Purpose of making iconic portraits

The purpose could be anything. It could just be the passion and dedication of the artist towards art and society or simply because they want the commoners to remember these figures who has and still contributing to shape the structure of the society.  However, many countries have the law to display the paintings of the well-known figures in some significant places like museums or party offices.

Well, other than painting the images of the celebrities there are a few who uses deconstructive style. This is basically an amalgamation of analytical cubism along with abstract expression.

How iconic portraits are created?

The artists take the photographs of the celebs from the internet to begin with the creation. They then transform the sources by using the deconstructive technique. The best part in this type of contemporary art is that they all are unique in themselves. The artists are expected to create something new and exclusive each time they use deconstructive technique in the same image. Thus repetitions can be avoided.

However, it doesn’t mean that the use of such technique make the characters unrecognisable. It is the artists’ power of creativity that adds uniqueness in the portraits without changing its original form. In such piece of arts facial expressions are of great importance which depicts what the portrait is conveying. Warm colours are used to draw such portraits. This includes shades of red, white, pink, brown-black and yellow.

If you are looking for iconic portraits, make a detailed research on the internet. There you can find some independent artists selling their piece of art at affordable prices.

Looking for Iconic portraits? Visit this site to have a look at the contemporary art.