Lux Gratie

Lux Gratie was specially made for the Glass Cathedral at Hamar, – this unique place where the past and the present unite. A cathedral of glass and light which gently embrace a ruin of memories, imprints and traces; – words connected to time and history. It is a left behind relic; – a visible sign of an absent item filled with countless footprints of unknown individuals seeking comfort and meaning in the search of Grace.

In working with this project, I have been looking at how memory-traces left by anonymous individuals contribute in forming a larger consensus; – the sacred space. This took me to Sicily, and the monastery of the Cappuccini, a rather harrowing experience. Chiesa dei Cappuccini houses 8000 naturally preserved mummies, spanning from the 15th Century to 1920. In endless rooms and corridors I was confronted with what has once been living matter. These remnants are also traces; – traces of somebody that once were… They are all and none, and although long gone down the cruel road of oblivion, they are as such representatives of the anonymous contribution needed to fill any space we refer to as sacred.

The concept of Grace is often used synonymously with forgiveness. To me Grace is dealing with understanding, insight, – and astonishment. In that respect, the title of Lux Gratiae relates to the ability or desire to understand, and less with absolution from own actions.

God give me wisdom,
so I can seek grace.
- The Tempest