Marta Jamróg’s Dzikony – Between Respect for Tradition and Subversion

Abstract

The icon has for centuries been an important element of sacred art. It is not only an artistic work but also a vehicle of spirituality and tradition. The protagonist of this text is Marta Jamróg – a young visual artist who draws inspiration from this form of expression. The analysis focuses on selected paintings from her Dzikony (“Wild Icons”) series, which reveal her interest in posthumanism. In these representations, figures of saints give way to “non ‑humans”, marking a significant shift in meaning in relation to the traditional iconographic canon. At the same time, the text identifies those features of Jamróg’s painting that remain in dialogue with the tradition
of the icon. Posthumanism – which shifts the emphasis from the human to every form of life and existence – juxtaposed with Christian teaching on creation opens a space for reflection on human responsibility toward the world. Dzikony thus become an artistic experiment, while the choice of the icon as a medium constitutes an act of subversion, offering a clear critical commentary on common everyday practices and moral hypocrisy.