BEHIND THE SCENES: TRINITY

Out of all of the artistic eras and movements, I think it’s safe to say that art created in the Byzantine era is my absolute favorite. This era was marked by moving away from classical style and entered into the abstract as well as the creation of iconographic images. 

I think what I love most about this style of art is that every color and figure had deep meaning and symbolism. Nothing was an accident. Everything was purposeful. One painting that I have come to truly admire is The Trinity by Andrei Rublov. This painting depicts the icons of the Holy Trinity held in Christian tradition. Rublov uses each robe color, hand position and scenery to strategically symbolize these divine beings. But the most amazing feature included in this painting is what historians believe was a small mirror at the lower forefront. There are only traces of glue and nail holes left now, but the inclusion of the mirror changes the entire theme of this painting. If you approached the painting when the mirror was included, you would be able to see yourself in the mirror, making you a part of the conversation. It gave you a seat at the table.

No longer was this about depicting some far off deities. Through this painting, you are invited to be a part of something so much bigger than yourself... Holy smokes. 

This is the place that I created Trinity and For, Alongside, Within from. I wanted to draw viewers into these pieces through their textures and warmer palette. I want you find yourself at home in these pieces and have them serve as a reminder that you have a seat at the table.

Trinity
Katie Berman, 2019

The Trinity
Andrei Rublov, 1411 or 1425-27

For, Alongside, Within
Katie Berman, 2019

No matter your worldview, I think we all have a deep intuition of being a part of something bigger than ourselves. We belong to something. A larger conversation happening around us. There is a table somewhere with a seat for us.

I hope you find your table and take a seat.

-KB