"Michelle L. Hofer's 'Lost Sight' exhibit at Dordt University showcases her unique approach to Christian iconography, combining Byzantine Christian techniques with personal reflections on Scripture and spiritual growth.
“Lost Sight,” an exhibit by artist Michelle L. Hofer, is currently on display at Dordt University’s Campus Center Art Gallery. The show will be exhibited October 1-31, with an artist reception on October 25 at 4:30 p.m. in the Campus Center Art Gallery.
Hofer, who lives in Freeman, South Dakota, creates artwork largely inspired by Byzantine Christian iconography. She became enamored with this art in 2001 on a trip to Istanbul, Turkey. Her exhibit, “Lost Sight,” aims to reestablish faith and art connections that were lost to Protestants such as herself during the Reformation. Hofer has developed her own artistic approaches to Christian iconography such as fabric mosaic, ceramic sculpture, mixed media painting and collage work, bringing together icon imagery and the printed text of a Luther Bible.
“Connecting individuals with the rich visual heritage of the Christian faith is my work in the world,” says Hofer. “Christian icon art has so much to offer those of us whose tradition does not include it. What I love about icons is how they bring the stories of Scripture into view with deep meaning and symbolism while at the same time reminding us of foundational Christian beliefs. There is always more to an icon image than what is depicted.”
The show features pieces Hofer learned to make according to traditional Orthodox iconography techniques.
Hofer is also drawn to the contemplative aspect of iconography’s creation process. Reflecting on Scripture, a prayer or a particular liturgical season such as Advent while working is part of Hofer’s practice. One example of this is her unfinished midlife self-portrait inspired by renowned artist Albrecht Dürer. Hofer is intending this piece—which is a reflection on her own spiritual growth—to take a decade or more to complete.
“Setting a piece up for the long-haul pushes against our instant culture but is for me symbolic of the incremental process of becoming like Christ. We are all unfinished works at present, and it is up to us to trust the slow work of God,” says Hofer.
Hofer graduated from Dordt University in 1996 with a major in art education. She taught art and photography for a number of years. Hofer now works full-time at her home studio making art; she enjoys sharing and speaking about her work. She and her husband, Colin, have two daughters—one of whom currently attends Dordt.
About Dordt University
As an institution of higher education committed to the Reformed Christian perspective, Dordt University equips students, faculty, alumni, and the broader community to work toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life. Located in Sioux Center, Iowa, Dordt is a comprehensive university named to the best college lists by the Wall Street Journal, Times Higher Education, Forbes.com, Washington Monthly, and Princeton Review.
Dordt University partners with Covenant College to offer students an online Master of Social Work (MSW) program, providing a Christ-centered education and flexible pathways for career advancement.
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