Creating a contemporary work of art to display within the oldest church in Berlin is an extreme ask. Even more so when it must commemorate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. However, Japanese artist Chiharu Shiota truly captures the spirit of the occasion in her striking spatial installation, “Lost Words”. Spiralling up the nave of Nikolaikirche is an intricately woven web of black threads intertwined with pages of the Bible — printed in various languages — that catch the light and gleam almost like jewels. The work is inspired by Shiota’s Japanese roots, yet the overarching message of the piece is more global: serving to question the notion of an individual’s ideals and beliefs which, as we migrate, are lost, reclaimed and reinterpreted — just like the scriptures were centuries ago. A powerful installation in a stunning and historic location, whether you’re particularly interested in religion or not, “Lost Words” is an exhibition that will stay with you. (Text: Lucy Thorpe / Photos: Michael Setzpfandt, Leo Seidel)
Nikolaikirche, Nikolaikirchplatz, 10178 Berlin-Mitte; map
Daily 10—18h
Chiharu Shiota “Lost Words” until 19.11.2017
