A new spiritual work of art: iconographer Michael Galovic's new book reflects a lifetime of creative work

Our friend and iconographer Michael Galovic has just launched his very latest work, a magnificent book containing his lifetime of artistic work, a retrospective, reflecting on his prolific creative output. The book has aptly been titled “Sailing Back to Byzantium” and it is indeed a work of art in its own right. Michael’s work ranges far beyond depictions of saints and explores the creative endeavour itself. Being able to present such a mature retrospective of one’s life work is a major milestone for an artist, and Michael certainly does that reflection justice. The book is not just his own account but contains many great and interesting voices reflecting on his art.

While the book is only recently fresh off the press, it has already attracted some high praise. Read some recent acclamations of it here and here. The first review is from the editor of a deeply incisive and impressive text, The Catholic Weekly, and the other review is from the artist, art historian and theologian Rod Pattenden, founder of the online publication “Art/s and Theology” (he also contributed to Michael’s book with his writing). Both are marvellous and highly informative as to what one can expect from the publication.

You can get a glimpse of the book in the short clip here, and you can watch a good short documentary of Michael at his book launch discussing his work and his new book here. One of Michael’s work of the Resurrection obtained a rightful place of honour in All Saints Church in Hunters Hill (Sydney). For a video montage about that artwork see here.

You can purchase the monograph from Michael either via his new website at michaelgalovic.com or by emailing him at michaelgalovic@gmail.com and he will express post you a copy wherever you are in Australia.

Michael’s website above also contains (1) further material which may interest you about his work, (2) a place to purchase copies of his book and his works, (3) newsletters, (4) video clips documenting previous exhibitions such as the recent one on his work with St George and the Dragon, and (5) much more.

You can also listen to Michael on ABC Radio talking about his work and book here. Enjoy!