The Art of Per Kirkeby in Relation to Important Aspects of Orthodox Theology of Images

摘要

One of Denmark's most important contemporary artists, Per Kirkeby (b.1938), shows in his paintings, sculptures and writings an extraordinary artistic, philosophical and historical awareness of the conditions on which images function. Many of his most interesting subjects, principles and experiences resonate with (art-) historical themes and issues, for instance the Byzantine iconoclastic dispute in the 8th and 9th centuries, ‘in principle a discussion that must continue every day’. This article demonstrates some of these conditions and thereby exemplifies how present-day art can deal with a religious subject without ignoring the obvious modern difficulties involved.