The work and Life of
Emil Tzeinski

Well known and highly respected iconograph and artist Emil Marinov Tzeinski (*1956) was born in Belogradchik, Bulgaria. He currently lives and works in Lombardia, Italy.

After art studies at the Sofia Art High School, he began attending the Rila Monastery in his twenties, where he learned the technical knowledge and spiritual foundations of icon painting. He then moved to Greece, to Athens and Thessaloniki, where he matured his artistic vocation and expressive language by confronting different schools and iconographic styles. In 1991 he settled in Italy, first in Montevecchia, continuing the work of studying and creating unique works.

In January 1993 he was received in private audience by Pope John Paul II, to whom he offered the icon of Saints Peter and Paul, receiving his blessing and mandate: "Continue on the path that God has shown you. What you are doing is magnificent."

Cardinal Carlo Maria Martini, archbishop of Milan, commissioned him to paint the icon of Christ, an image that would later be printed on the first page of the Gospel published by him before he retired to Jerusalem. While respecting traditional iconographic canons and techniques he developed his own original modern iconographic language that he expresses both in icons and in graphic works with sacred subjects.

For him, icon making is not simply an artistic activity or work, but a true spiritual and evangelization mission, making God and his work of salvation present through the image. He exhibits in numerous solo exhibitions in Italy and abroad. His works can be found in churches and private collections around the world.

His current exhibition "ICONE E GRAFICHE" will take place from December 2 to 10, 2023 at VILLA CUSANI, via S. Bernardo, Carate Brianza (MB).