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St. Mardarije of Chicago and Libertyville, acrylic on canvas, 2022
The great Montenegrin guslar, Petar Perunovic-Perun epically described the Holy Bishop Mardarije as a great-martyr who suffered at the hands of his clergy and laity, while battling his own illness. The painter was thus inspired to select a brilliant red with which he executed the fe- lonion, which appears as the fire of Christ in which the Saint was clothed, while at the same time, it is associated with blood and his illness, soothed by the cooling pale blue highlights. Situated before his spheres of influence and legacy, we are summoned by their calm dynam- ics, as an expression of elements that call for their own attention. Lovćen and Libertyville mostly, which are on high and illumined, while Chicago and Moscow are quietly present in the background. The ship, in which he so often traversed the seas of the world, forms a unique tandem with the Gospel, and becomes a symbol that indicates the constancy of these journeys. The quietly highlighted boat in the tranquil haven of the en- compassing azure sea, also rep- resents the Church. Together with the Gospel, radiating with the Light of Christ, Alpha that emanated at Creation, and Omega from the Tomb alike, they are the very symbols of Saint Mardarije’s life. — Bishop Irinej
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