INTERVIEW: Egyptian and Coptic heritage is central to Tipperary artist
A young artist living in Cahir explains what interested her in creating artworks
An 18-year-old painter from Cahir recently spoke to The Nationalist about her unique style of painting.
Born and raised in Ireland to Egyptian parents, Christine Rezk has always regarded her Egyptian and Coptic heritage as an important part of her identity. For the past four years, she has been developing her skills as an artist, specialising in Coptic iconography.
“I have been painting for around four years now, and I specialise in Coptic iconography,” Christine explains. “For me, painting is much more than simply creating artwork. It is a way of embracing my heritage, expressing my faith and keeping a connection to my culture.”
What particularly fascinates Christine about Coptic art is its connection to the much older artistic traditions of Egypt.
Coptic art developed in Egypt during the early Christian period, and Christine is fascinated by the ways in which elements of ancient Egyptian artistic traditions continued and evolved within Christian art.
When ancient Egyptian artwork and Coptic icons are placed side by side, she points out, there are striking similarities in the representation of figures, including their poses, proportions, symbolism and composition.
“I find it amazing that aspects of Egyptian artistic traditions can be seen continuing across thousands of years,” she says.
Creating a Coptic icon is a long process, explains Christine. “There is also a lot of work involved before an icon can even be painted. Traditionally, we begin with a wooden panel which is carefully prepared. A fabric layer can be applied to the wood, followed by multiple layers of gesso. These layers are built up and then carefully sanded until the panel has a smooth surface ready for painting.
“The preparation itself requires a lot of patience and care, and I think that is one of the things that makes iconography so special,” she says.
Working primarily from her home in Cahir, Christine can spend many hours on a single piece. The intricate detail and careful technique required mean that a painting like this cannot be rushed.
“I love seeing a blank wooden panel gradually transform into an icon with its own story and meaning,” says Christine.
Christine has already had the opportunity to create paintings for St Mina’s Coptic Church in Cahir, an experience that has been especially significant for the young artist.
Having her artwork displayed within a Coptic church in the town where she lives has given her a unique opportunity to bring an important part of her Egyptian heritage into her life in Ireland.
“Being able to have my artwork within a Coptic church in the town where I live makes me feel that I am bringing a small part of my heritage into my life here in Ireland,” she says.
“It is very special knowing that something I have created can become part of the community.”
She also hopes her work can introduce people in Ireland to an artistic tradition and history that they may never have encountered before.
“I hope that through my paintings I can help keep the tradition alive and introduce other people in Ireland to an art form and history they may not have encountered before,” she says.