Silentium, “silence” in Latin, in the heart of a church… And a burningly topical work. Around 800 people came on Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd November to observe the brand new sculpture by Toulouse artist James Colomina, installed in the deconsecrated church of Gesù, in Toulouse. A sculpture of Abbé Pierre with his erect penis only covered by a sheet.
“A pose that provokes deep reflection,” explains 20 Minutes the artist who wanted, thanks to his sculpture, to denounce the sexual abuse committed by Abbé Pierre but also in the Christian world more generally. “I have long thought that sacred symbols should remain intact, beyond any questioning. But why close your eyes? If the Church hides these realities, it is up to society to lift the veil to finally see what has been buried under decades of silence and to question the scars left by this past,” adds James Colomina.
Through “Silentium”, he has, according to him, sought to offer a space for silent, intimate but powerful dialogue, inviting each visitor to explore themes of memory, justice, and humanity. Abbé Pierre has in fact been accused since last July by several women of sexual assault between 1950 and 2000.
A first work all in white and indoors
If this is not the artist's first “punch” work, it is a first for color: James Colomina applied his red to create an all-white sculpture… “As an artist, I I have always used red in my street works to mark their direct character and their visual impact. White evokes silence and contemplation, a state which is suitable for more solemn places where the viewer is already ready for an artistic immersion,” explains the Toulouse resident.
As for Abbé Pierre in erection, the sculpture was only visible for two days, enough to impact the public? “I hope that this work resonated with everyone and that it will continue to inspire reflection beyond its discovery. »
