BIBLE SCENES IN
SOME BEAUTIFUL BIBLICAL WORKS BY UZBEKISTAN PAINTER DIMITRY AVTIN HAVE JUST GONE ON SHOW
A PRE-CHRISTMAS exhibition of biblical scenes by the Uzbekestan-born artist Dimitry Avtin has opened in historic St Iberius Church on Wexford’s Main Street.
The exhibition, entitled A Diamond Christmas (Dimitry’s middle name is Diamond), features 16 paintings in watercolour, oil and acryclic on MDF and plyboard, which were inspired mostly by the New Testament and include Nativity scenes of the entrance into Bethlehem and the birth of Jesus.
Dimitry who has lived in Wexford with his family for the past 15 years, has a degree in art design from Uzebekestan and diplomas in architecture and architectural design from Waterford and Carlow IT.
He likes to paint biblical, historical and sporting characters and scenes and is particularly interested in capturing that moment when an individual is intent on using their physical, mental and spiritual capacity towards the achievement of a goal.
‘That is what I try to express, when a person values their own time and effort and utilises them for the benefit of others,’ said Dimitry, who is a member of Wexford Christian Community Church, where Pat Murphy, formerly of Scissors Empire, is a leader.
The church is based in 41 Westpoint, Clonard, which has the Open Gate art studio where he and other artists hold free art classes for the public every Wednesday from 5pm to 7pm.
Dimitry said he is very honoured to be showing his work in ‘the beautiful, historic building’ of St Iberius Church and is grateful to Rev Arthur Minion, an amateur artist, for arranging the exhibition which will continue up to December 8. All the paintings are for sale and 20% of the proceeds will go to the St Iberius Church Restoration Fund.
‘Rev Minion paints himself and is very supportive of artists. WEXFORD PEOPLE
IWe had been talking about this since last year, having an exhibition for Christmas.’
Dimitry develops his compositions on plywood and MDF background as it gives him an opportunity to add texture and depth to the paintings.
The exhibition was opened by the artist and Wexford Plein Air Festival founder Tony Robinson. Owen McGarry and members of the Sea Shanty group sang songs at the launch.