Altar Covering – Lenten Installation

Lent Installation 2005

The project, conceived for Ruprechtskirche, explores the ancient ecclesiastical tradition of “veiling,” which dates back to the 10th century. As part of the 2005 Lenten installation, the altar was “veiled” using an artistically designed cover. Printed on the covering is an image of the altar in a color gradient ranging from purple to white.
The print resembles an X-ray; it makes the altar visible, brings it “to light,” and is thus translucent in a certain way. Through this design, the structure of the altar—the masonry block—is brought closer to the viewer in terms of its form and complexity; the viewer is guided toward a new way of seeing. The altar is veiled and yet—or perhaps precisely because of this—
particularly present. The veiling of the altar creates a new sense of space for visitors and participants in the liturgical celebrations; it enables a new, profound
experience of what is to come. The covering also alludes to the Book of Zephaniah, the biblical text read during the 2005 Lenten season at the services in St. Ruprecht
, which leads from repentance to hope. During the Easter Vigil, the altar is unveiled. The altar is rediscovered.

The project is a collaborative effort by Julia Oppermann and Christof Cremer.