Oil painting Venerable Amphilochius of Pochaev Oleksandr Gukalov

№AAA3243

"Venerable Amphilochius of Pochaev" is a reverent iconographic portrayal of the esteemed Orthodox saint, Venerable Amphilochius. The painting adheres to traditional iconographic elements, capturing the spiritual depth and sanctity of the saint. The central figure is Venerable Amphilochius, depicted with a serene and wise expression. His long, flowing beard and ascetic appearance symbolize his devout life and spiritual wisdom. He is clad in monastic robes, with a dark outer garment and a lighter inner garment, reflecting his monastic vows and commitment to a life of spiritual discipline. A golden halo encircles his head, signifying his sainthood and divine favor. The halo is simple yet profound, emphasizing his spiritual significance. His right hand is raised in a gesture of blessing, with fingers positioned in a traditional Orthodox manner, symbolizing the Trinity and Christ's dual nature. In his left hand, he holds a scroll with inscriptions, likely containing a prayer or a spiritual message, indicative of his role as a teacher and guide in the faith. The background is a rich, golden hue, typical of Orthodox icons, symbolizing the divine light and the heavenly realm in which the saints dwell. The simplicity of the background directs the viewer's focus entirely on the saint. The saint's name, "Амфилохий Почаевский" (Amphilochius of Pochaev), is inscribed in traditional Church Slavonic script, further authenticating the icon's purpose and honoring the saint's heritage. The additional text on the scroll and the sides of the icon provide context and spiritual depth, though the specific content is not fully detailed in this description. The icon of Venerable Amphilochius of Pochaev is rich with symbolism, each element meticulously crafted to convey spiritual truths. The halo signifies his holiness, the scroll represents his teachings, and his gesture of blessing extends his spiritual authority and intercession to the viewer. The golden background denotes the divine presence and the eternal light of God. The brushwork is deliberate and controlled, adhering to the traditional methods of icon painting. The use of lines and color is precise, reflecting the solemnity and sacredness of the subject. The color palette is dominated by gold, dark brown, and soft earth tones, creating a harmonious and contemplative visual experience. These colors evoke a sense of reverence and awe, appropriate for an icon. The use of light and shadow is subtle yet effective, adding depth to the figure while maintaining the flat, symbolic nature of traditional icons. "Venerable Amphilochius of Pochaev" is a masterful representation of an Orthodox saint, steeped in tradition and spiritual significance. The painting serves not only as a work of art but as a devotional object, inviting the viewer into a deeper contemplation of the saint's life and the divine mysteries of the faith. Through its careful composition and symbolic elements, the icon offers a window into the heavenly realm and the enduring legacy of Venerable Amphilochius.

*** ABOUT THIS PAINTING ***
* TITLE: "Venerable Amphilochius of Pochaev"
* ARTISTS: Oleksandr Gukalov
* SIZE: 30x40 cm/'11.81x15.74 inches'
* MEDIUM: oil, canvas on cardboard
* HAND PAINTED: Original painting from our collection
* CONDITION: we tried to convey the maximum information with the help of photos about this product

About the artists: Oleksiyander Gukalov
After graduating from Lviv Polytechnic, he was engaged in scientific work. In his free time, he studied the works of Plato, the poetry of the ancient East, and religious works. At this time, resistance to the routine of life and utilitarian science arose in him; he became interested in man and his secrets. Oleksiyander decided to end his engineering career and become a humanitarian. Since 1990, he began to write and publish philosophical poems. Later he decided to devote himself to painting, a passion for which began during his years of study at the Lviv Polytechnic with caricatures and caricatures of classmates and teachers.

Since 2017 he has been painting with oil paints. Oleksiyander does not have a formal art education, but he is convinced that the craft and talent of an artist do not directly depend on professional education. The artist's works are characterized by completeness of composition and depth of meaning. He is not afraid to work with different themes, his paintings are true modern art that touches people. The artist’s portfolio includes landscapes and views of his favorite cities, portraits of pop stars, politicians, athletes, relatives, and animals. “I draw a toga when I feel the need for it. Therefore, I cannot say that I work in some narrow direction. Rather, it is a call from the soul,” the artist says about himself.

Exhibitions

2011 – Personal exhibition, Lutsk

2011 – Exhibition “World of Jazz”, Lutsk

2011 – Exhibition Arts.in.ua, Kiev

2012 – Personal exhibition in the art cafe “Apartment 35”, Lviv

2012 – Personal exhibition “On the Waves of Dreams”, Lutsk

2012 – International exhibition “Plain Air”, West Park Art Gallery, New York

2012 – International competition “Peace, Time and People”, special medal of achievements St. Michael, New York

2012 – Exhibition of artists who were included in the K-Gallery catalogue, Kyiv

2012 – International exhibition-competition of contemporary art “Ukrainian Art Week”, Kyiv

2013 – opening of a permanent exhibition and sale, Lutsk

2013 – Exhibition “Spring Impressions” of the international art project “Vicious Circle of Impressions”, Kiev

2015 – Personal exhibition, Lutsk

2015 – Ukrainian-Italian exhibition “Single Space”, Kyiv

2015 – International art project “New York – Tokyo”, Tokyo

2016 – International art project “Color in Motion”, New York Realism Gallery, first place and Gold medal in the category “Impressionism”, New York

2021 – International exhibition “Art Nest Paris”, Paris

Oleksandr Gukalov