In the serene landscape of Gstaad, Switzerland, within the historic walls of the St. Niklaus Chapel, artist Emilio Ferro has woven a tapestry of light and sound, transforming the sacred space into an immersive experience. His site-specific installation, “Liminal Journey,” invites contemplation, acting as a metaphor for life’s transformative passages and the fluid nature of time and space.
Ferro’s work is a dialogue with the chapel’s history and its significance to the local community. Dedicated to St. Nicholas, patron saint of travelers, the chapel has long served as a beacon of hope and guidance. Ferro’s installation resonates with this history, echoing the saint’s protective embrace for those in transit, both physically and spiritually.
A single beam of white light, emanating from a totemic metal structure behind the altar, pierces the nave, becoming an ethereal sculpture. This luminous presence dynamically connects the interior and exterior of the building. When the chapel door opens, the light spills out into the village, a welcoming gesture. When closed, it casts a halo upon the door, emphasizing the threshold and the transition between worlds. This interplay of light and architecture creates a tangible yet intangible link between the sacred space and the everyday life of the town.
The light, traversing the chapel, symbolically bridges past and present, the sacred and the mundane. It underscores the universality of the journey, not just as physical displacement, but as an internal pilgrimage towards consciousness, growth, and transformation. Each visitor, bathed in the light, becomes a participant in this symbolic journey, their presence illuminating the path and forging an immaterial connection across generations and cultures. The light offers a sense of sanctuary, encouraging introspection and a personal dialogue with prayer.
Enhancing the visual experience is a haunting soundscape created by Ferro. He skillfully captures the whispers of the Saanenland’s rivers, using immersion microphones to record their flowing melodies. This transformation into a composition evokes the relentless current of time and life, drawing listeners into a world where sound and nature intertwine.
Delving deeper into the sonic exploration, Ferro also records the magnetic fields of the chapel, unveiling an unseen dimension of the space. This subtle yet profound sonic intervention invites visitors to embark on a journey of listening, exploring the normally imperceptible and fostering a deeper sense of inner reflection.
Ferro, an Italian artist born in 1988, masterfully blends light, sound, and visual elements in his work. His installations, often created for public spaces, museums, and foundations, reflect a poetic vision rooted in the contemplation of nature. He skillfully manipulates innovative technical elements to reshape the viewer’s perception of reality, creating immersive and harmonious artistic experiences. Exploring the intersection of humanistic and scientific thought, Ferro’s work investigates the relationship between art and nature, reflecting on humanity’s impact on the ecosystem and the search for energy as a vital force. In “Liminal Journey,” he has crafted not just an installation, but a profound meditation on transition, faith, and the enduring power of light and sound to illuminate our inner landscapes.
This project is an idea and commission by art+château and Espace Muraille, curated by Valentina Locatelli.