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In the context of this revolution, the boundaries of artistic expression are pushed to the extreme, and artists challenge conventional notions of aesthetics and logic. This often results in unconventional and avant-garde art forms that may not be easily com- prehensible or appreciated by all audiences.
However, it allows for new perspectives and deeper reflections on the complexities of contempo- rary existence. These works invite us to be vigilant, ready to perceive and embrace these emerging truths as they reveal themselves in our lives.
The leitmotif of this artistic collection mirrors that of asceticism: it emphasizes the importance of experiencing the divine directly, rather than merely contemplating it intellectually. Ascetics “undergo things divine rather than thinking about them.”
This exploration underscores art’s vital role in reflecting and shaping our understanding of person- hood, creation, and eschatology. Art reveals the ca- pacity of person for transformation of nature and its liberation from mortality. It challenges us to see be- yond the immediacy of the material world, inviting us into a dialogue with the deeper truths of exis- tence. Art, in its essence, is an ontological endeavor. This creative force brings forth new worlds and identities, bridging the gap between the uncreated and the created. Through art, we engage with the profound mysteries of presence and absence, cre- ation and transcendence, offering a glimpse into the very heart of what it means to be truly human.
In the words of Picasso, dare to venture into cre- ation and when it begins to unfold beautifully, allow a touch of imperfection to grace the canvas. Embrace this genuine authenticity, fearlessly delving into un- charted territories. For in the end, the first splendor shall remain, yet woven with a labyrinthine charm.
From Fr. Stamatis Skliris follows a great lesson: Instead of extolling your supposed perfections, cele- brate your very clumsiness and mistakes. For a per- fect circle may emerge under the sterile hands of an impersonal computer corrector, but it is the crooked circle that bears the essence of your being—a sacred birthright and source of pride! Like the Apostle Paul, who boasted gladly of his weaknesses, revel in your own crookedness. Embrace the freedom bestowed by such a philosophy, beyond imagination. It liber- ates you from the shackles of rigid perfectionism, allowing you to dance with the joy of creation, cher- ishing every flawed stroke as a brushstroke of uniqueness and vulnerability.
In this context, Stamatis sharpens our senses, preparing us for the truths not yet revealed to us. In the vast universe of iconography, there are luminous stars of truth, their light still traveling across time and space to reach us. And he advises: “In your artis- tic journey, embrace the allure of the slightly skewed, the beautifully imperfect. With each canvas, weave a tapestry of tortuous grace, for in the raw embrace of your crookedness, you shall find the symphony of your true person.”
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