Writing the Light

NEW COURSE OFFERING — Fall 2026

“Icon Painting Today – Early 20th Century to the Present” 

A Survey of Contemporary Iconographic Proposals
with Olga Yunak
Monthly Art History Seminar – Live Online Zoom Class
(2x per month, 1.5 hr. per session)

Description 

Writing the Light is offering a new monthly seminar led by art historian Olga Yunak, dedicated to exploring the evolving field of contemporary icon painting through a theological, aesthetic, and curatorial lens. This seminar begins by asking foundational questions: What is tradition in sacred art? What constitutes creativity within it? And when can a new work be said to truly participate in the life of the Church?

In this unique course, students will engage with a wide array of iconographers working today across diverse regions and traditions—from Greece, Russia, Romania, and Serbia to Western Europe, the Americas, Africa, and beyond—who are making new contributions to the tradition and reinventing principles to create and transform the contemporary landscape in iconography. Each session will examine iconographic proposals from the early 20th century to today, with a focus on coherent, ecclesially functional bodies of work—including full church programs or sustained artistic practices, with particular attention to works that can be understood as fully integrated contributions, rather than isolated or speculative attempts.

The seminar will also serve as a companion to Olga Yunak’s forthcoming book project on contemporary icon painting, offering participants a rare opportunity to follow and contribute to the unfolding of new scholarship in the field.

Key Features

The seminar will give special consideration to:

• The tension between tradition and innovation;
• The influence of historical movements and key figures (e.g., Photios Kontoglou and the revival in Greece);
• The criteria by which contemporary sacred art might be judged to serve the Church and the faithful today.

Schedule

Held on Mondays

7:30 to 8:45pm Athens Time 

12:30 to 1:45pm EST (for US & Canada)

Exact dates to be released.

Format

Interactive Zoom presentation with time for discussion and questions.

Who Should Attend

This seminar is open to all—artists, students, scholars, and the curious alike. No prior art historical background is required. Whether you’re a practicing iconographer seeking inspiration or someone new to the world of sacred image-making, this class offers a rare window into the living tradition of icons as they are painted today. Certificate students are welcome to add this into their semester schedule.

For any questions, please email Keri at info.writingthelight@gmail.com.