Catholic Outlook Magazine has won Best Original Artwork at this year’s Australasian Catholic Press Association (ACPA) Awards, which was held during the 2024 Australian Catholic Communications Congress in North Sydney in late August.
The artwork – In the Dark Night – by graphic designer Martin Zitricky from the Diocesan Communications team, depicts a pregnant Virgin Mary and is featured on the front cover of the Advent and Christmas | Summer 2023 edition of Catholic Outlook Magazine.
The painting, also called Theotokos, was inspired by the beautiful Orthodox Christian Christmas chant called ‘In the Dark Night’, in which Mary sings a lullaby to her baby Jesus about his fate.
During his creative process, Martin listened and watched a version of the chant filmed in 2017 in the monastery of the Monks of Svetogorskaya Lavra in Ukraine. As war erupted, the monastery provided shelter for civilian refugees, but in March 2022, the monastery was hit by a Russian airstrike.
The judges’ comments read: “While it may appear unassuming at first glance, a deeper appreciation for the subject of the expectant Virgin Mary enhances the artwork’s immersive quality, especially when considering the context and inspiration provided by the artist. It serves as a fitting representation of the stories that lie behind the surface.”
‘In the Dark Night’ by Martin Zitricky, which featured on the cover of the Advent and Christmas | Summer 2023 edition of Catholic Outlook Magazine. Image: Martin Zitricky/Dicoese of Parramatta
In his reflection on the artwork, Martin described that painting the Virgin Mary was an “emotional and prayerful/spiritual experience.”
“We cannot imagine how terrible it must have been for Mary to witness the crucifixion of her beloved son. And He did it for us,” he said.
“So let us always remember who Mary is and what she and her son went through to save us. We all should remember who we are, what we have done and continue to do and we should really appreciate what and who we are asking for every time we say those three simple words: ‘Pray for us!’”
“This award is a testament to Martin’s giftedness and extraordinary talent, as well as his deep faith,” said Anita Sulentic, Diocesan Head of Communications and Engagement.
“We are so proud to win this award and showcase the extraordinary talent of our people in the Diocese of Parramatta.”
Diocese of Parramatta Head of Communications and Engagement Anita Sulentic (left) and Senior Communications Officer Mary Brazell accepting the ‘Best Original Artwork’ award at the 2024 Australasian Catholic Press Association (ACPA) Annual Awards Night in North Sydney. Image: Ryan Maclandag/ACBC
The annual awards recognise excellence in Catholic magazines, newspapers and digital publications across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific across a variety of categories. The Diocese of Parramatta has been fortunate to be the recipient of awards in the past, including for ‘Most Improved Publication – Print’, ‘Best News Content’ and ‘Best Headline’.
