Art meets Religion in Düsseldorf

Anyone who's ever travelled through Europe has undoubtedly visited countless churches and cathedrals. Although these visits might not have been for religious purposes, many visitors flock to them to admire the exquisite works of art on the ceilings, in the windows and at the altars.

It is well known that the clergy were the biggest advocaters and collectors of art in the days gone by. The world's greatest artists such as Michaelangelo and Raphael became famous for the work they did for the clergymen. Art and religion have always been inextricably linked.

With this in mind, the newly-appointed curator of the Kunst Palast Museum in Düsseldorf, invited the world to bring altars from their countries. But a cloud of controversy hovered over the project. Altars from around the globe are on show at the museum until January 6 2002 in an exhibition entitled Altars: art to kneel down to.

Altars are perceived by the religious as holy vestibules. Devotees can communicate with their gods at the altars. 'They are not showpieces' say some. Others, like Jean Hubert Martin, General Director of Kunst Palast Museum, agree but add that altars the world over highlight the religious aspect of a community and like art, are a source of inspiration for many.

In an attempt to rekindle the debate about the relationship between art and religion, Martin has assembled 68 altars from around the world. The exhibition does not claim to be exhaustive. It merely allows one to take a look at contemporary altars from Asia, Africa, America, Europe and Oceania. Private shrines such as a rock and a cyber altar are also displayed.

"Exhibiting them together in a museum highlights the artistic aspect, but they are and remain objects of religious worship," maintains the museum.

Many of the altars on show were assembled by priests and were 'charged with sacred power' in a ceremony of consecration as sites of the divine. The burning of incense sticks and sacred offerings adds a certain authenticity, some visitors feel.

Many others, unfortunately feel that they have been almost too clinically presented, detracting from the beauty and religious ties. The altars might have been more appreciated if they were to be viewed in their natural states.