Media Contacts:
Lynn Goswick – 212-602-9635
Trinity Wall Street
Ilyse Fink/Jennifer Krug – 212-575-4545
Linden Alschuler & Kaplan, PR
For Immediate Release
Trinity Museum Looks at Today’s Iconography
Soul Seekers: Interpreting the Icon Showcases the
Contemporary Face of an Ancient Art Form
Opening Reception for Artists and Public - Thursday, May 10, 2012 - 6-8pm
New York – (May 3, 2012) For thousands of years, iconography has been an integral element of
the human quest for spiritual fulfillment. From May 11 to June 30, 2012, Trinity Museum, inside
Trinity Church on Broadway at Wall Street, presents an eclectic and surprising collection of
works from the hands and minds of modern-day artists. Soul Seekers: Interpreting the Icon
provides an opportunity to reconsider the form, status, and relevance of iconography. The works
can be seen to fulfill a broader concept of iconography within the wider social realm.
Primarily associated with the Eastern Orthodox tradition of the Christian church, icons are holy
pictures depicting aspects of the life of Christ, the saints, and the heavenly realm. Icons bring
together the vision of the artist and the perception of the viewer as they enter upon a
relationship with the subject depicted as it relates to and influences human experience. In this
way, icons present us with a way of viewing and discerning art. While icon making in its original
form continues, what constitutes iconography today is open to interpretation. With a fluid and
open culture, there are infinite choices in terms of public and private examples of the iconic,
running the gamut from traditional emblems to ubiquitous pop culture branding.
Art in this exhibition spans the mediums of sculpture, painting, photography, film and text. Karen
Azoulay's funereal and elegiac photographic images reference art historical symbolism while
evoking a deeply contemplative atmosphere; Matthew Dayler's embracing fighters challenge the
perception of intimacy and highlight the figure as a timeless cultural motif; and Jeffrey
Mongrain's subtle expressions of human frailty and spiritual symbolism captivate with an
understated, emotive power. In addition, works by Pavel Antonov, Jordan Eagles, Alex Frost,
Moses Hoskins, Darren Jones, Kara L. Rooney, and Aida Sehovic will be displayed.
“Everyone is looking for an icon, something onto which they can project hope, and from which
they can gain hope,” stated the Rev. John W. Moody, who organized the exhibit with fellow
parishioner Ryan L. Campbell, chairperson of Trinity’s Visual Arts Committee. “Traditional
iconography has been a continuous source of strength and growth for individuals and the
church.”
Curated by Madina Stepanchenko, Soul Seekers also considers how one relates to
iconography. The visual language of the cultural landscape provides many possibilities for what
the ‘iconic’ can mean, offering myriad ways to convey our beliefs and values. These motifs and
signs are what we often turn to in defining ourselves, just as we are also defined by them.
Soul Seekers reveals unexpected and revelatory works of art that can be seen as contemporary
manifestations of this ancient form of human expression.
This exhibit is presented by Trinity Wall Street Music and the Arts, Trinity Congregational Arts &
Phenomena Project. It is on view daily at Trinity Museum, inside Trinity Church, Broadway at
Wall Street; closed during mid-day services (11:45am-12:45pm). Free and open to all. Nearest
Subways: Rector Street (R,W,1) Wall Street (2,3,4,5)
ABOUT TRINITY WALL STREET
Located at the head of Wall Street, Trinity Church has been part of New York City’s and our nation’s history since its
charter in 1697. Today, the organization has grown to include many important areas of focus and is collectively
known as Trinity Wall Street. Most importantly, Trinity Wall Street is an Episcopal parish offering daily worship
services and faith formation programs at Trinity Church, St. Paul’s Chapel, and online at trinitywallstreet.org. In
addition, Trinity Wall Street includes Trinity Grants, providing $80 million in funding to 85 countries since 1972; Trinity
Preschool; Trinity Institute, an annual theological conference; an extensive arts program presenting more than 100
concerts each year through Concerts @ One, the Trinity Choir, and the Trinity Choristers; and Trinity Real Estate,
which manages the parish’s six million square feet of commercial real estate in lower Manhattan.
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