Place of meditation
The place of meditation (“Lieu de recueillement”), realised by Michelangelo Pistoletto at the Paoli Calmettes Oncology Institute in Marseilles (1998-2003), is a secular space of meeting and sharing, that expresses the plurality of spiritual dimensions.
The space’s floor plan resembles a flower with five petals. Each petal is separated from the other by translucent screens that hint at the possibility of osmosis, while respecting the differences they contain. Each of the five areas hosts a major symbol of one of the five main religions: the Tables of the Law (Judaism), the Cross (Christianity), the prayer mat directed at Mecca (Islam), the Lotus Flower (Buddhism), and a series of books (Agnosticism/ Atheism).
The centre of the space contains the Cubic Metre of Infinity (1966) and makes art the central point of reference.
The mirrors inside reflect one another, creating a maximal multiplicity. This secret character of the infinite hints at the spiritual dimension of creativity: at what man cannot see, but can imagine.
This work is an important symbol of a vision that gives value to differences, while also bringing them together in a respectful meeting.
The space’s floor plan resembles a flower with five petals. Each petal is separated from the other by translucent screens that hint at the possibility of osmosis, while respecting the differences they contain. Each of the five areas hosts a major symbol of one of the five main religions: the Tables of the Law (Judaism), the Cross (Christianity), the prayer mat directed at Mecca (Islam), the Lotus Flower (Buddhism), and a series of books (Agnosticism/ Atheism).
The centre of the space contains the Cubic Metre of Infinity (1966) and makes art the central point of reference.
The mirrors inside reflect one another, creating a maximal multiplicity. This secret character of the infinite hints at the spiritual dimension of creativity: at what man cannot see, but can imagine.
This work is an important symbol of a vision that gives value to differences, while also bringing them together in a respectful meeting.
