"Dust to Light - Palimpsest of Renewal" (Staub zu Licht - Palimpsest der Erneuerung) transforms the concept of historical reconciliation into a dynamic art installation for Cologne Cathedral. The artwork incorporates cathedral dust encapsulated in hexagonal glass vessels to create a suspended matrix that visualizes the architectural element of the Bima (Torah reading platform) from medieval Cologne's synagogue. This suspended matrix of approximately 7,500 glass pixels creates a dialogue between Christian and Jewish sacred architecture, with three distinct surfaces: dark sides containing cathedral dust representing the past, reflective gold surfaces symbolizing the present, and transparent sides open to future development.
The installation extends beyond visual contemplation through an interactive component at ground level. Here, visitors can light candles in approximately 1,400 glass vessels arranged in three rows facing the Madonna statue, and leave written mementos in special containers. This participatory element embodies the idea that reconciliation is not a singular act but a continuous process requiring ongoing engagement. Over time, these "activated" vessels from the candle area are integrated into the hanging matrix in a seven-year cycle, gradually transforming the installation from dark to golden – a physical manifestation of the evolving Christian-Jewish relationship.
This project was selected as one of four finalists in the International Art Competition for Cologne Cathedral, which sought to create a permanent artwork addressing the complex Christian-Jewish relationship. The competition was initiated in response to the paradigm shift in the Catholic Church's relationship with Judaism, officially recognized in the Second Vatican Council's Nostra Aetate declaration of 1965. Rather than removing problematic historical artifacts, the cathedral chose to create a new artistic intervention that would inspire dialogue and transform understanding, reflecting both awareness of historical wounds and hope for a shared future.
For more information, see the project video here (enable English subtitles using the CC button at the bottom right under the video).
Finalist (one of four selected for the final round) in the International Art Competition for Cologne Cathedral, initiated by the Metropolitan Chapter of Cologne Cathedral to address the Christian-Jewish relationship.
Dimensions: Matrix 8.9 x 11.6 x 0.7 m, Candle area 5.2 x 6.1 x 1 m
Materials: Glass vessels with cathedral dust, gold mirror coating, steel cable suspension system
Status: Competition proposal (2024). Winning proposal selected by Andrea Büttner.
Concept, deisgn, and artistic direction: Azra Akšamija
Project development supported by Future Heritage Lab team: Merve Akdoğan, Christopher Hassan Allen, Ganit Goldstein, Lillian P.H. Kollogy, Penelope Phylactopoulos, Thera Webb
Expert consultants (art, architecture, cultural history): Dr. Felicitas Heimann-Jelinek, Prof. Dr. Mark Jarzombek, Prof. Dr. Caroline Jones, Prof. Dr. Dietmar Offenhuber
Glass art consultants and prototyping: Corning Glass Museum Studio (US), Derix Glasstudios (DE), MIT Glass Lab (US), Pačinek Glass (CZ)
Engineering consultants: SuP Ingenieure GmbH, Prof. Dr. John Ochsendorf
3D modeling and motion graphics: MIT Future Heritage Lab, loomn Architekturkommunikation
Project video: KA21 (Dr. Wolfgang Haas)
Concept inspired by the book: Aksamija, Nadja, Clark Maines and Phillip Wagoner (Eds.). Palimpsests: Buildings, Sites, Time. Turnhout: Brepols, 2017.