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3. Holy Perspectives

Iconographer Aidan Hart explains the strange perspectives of the icon as he paints one for Advent.

"We are glorified door makers”, says Aidan Hart, a professional iconographer, “because we create a door between the world and heaven.”

“I feel like a composer and poet but working in colour and form rather than notes and words.”

World-renowned iconographer Aidan Hart paints an icon for Advent and explores the meaning and theology of this ancient religious art form.

Today he talks about the strange perspectives of the icon.

You can follow his progress in the picture gallery on the programme webpage.

Producer: Phil Pegum

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2018.

Available now

14 minutes

Last on

Wed 10 Dec 2025 09:30
BBC Radio 4 Extra

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2. Symbolism of Paint

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4. Shining with Divine Splendour

See all episodes from The Creation of an Icon

Broadcasts

  • Wed 19 Dec 2018 13:45
    BBC Radio 4
  • Sun 29 Nov 2020 14:45
    BBC Radio 4
  • Sun 6 Dec 2020 00:15
    BBC Radio 4
  • Wed 10 Dec 2025 09:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra

How to create an Icon

How to create an Icon

Former Greek Orthodox monk Aidan Hart on his work painting physical and invisible realms.

Gallery