Revitalizing Sacred Spaces: Manifesta 16 Transforms Ruhr's Churches

In a bold reimagining of sacred spaces, Manifesta 16—dubbed the ‘European Nomadic Biennial’—has taken root in Germany’s Ruhr area, breathing new life into twelve churches across Essen, Gelsenkirchen, Duisburg, and Bochum. The theme of this 30th edition, ‘This is not a church,’ cleverly invites visitors to explore contemporary art and community engagement in places that have long been sidelined.

Each church in the project tells a unique story of its past. For instance, the Gethsemane-Kirche in Bochum, designed by architect Otto Bartning post-World War II, reflects a desire for simplicity with its accessible location, which earned it the affectionate nickname 'pantoffelkirchen' or slipper church. This proximity allowed parishioners to attend services in their slippers, emphasizing community connections.

In contrast to Gethsemane-Kirche, which remains a functioning worship site, St. Marien to the north of Essen stands in disrepair, showcasing the region's shifting landscape. Visitors can witness art installations by Alicja Kwade and SUPERFLEX within its crumbling walls, where William Engelen's 'Variation on Godspeed in 4/4' evokes the haunting echoes of a church organ.

The event encourages exploration of the Ruhr through cycling along the Erzbahntrasse, a repurposed freight line that connects the various sites while revealing the area's lush greenery and historical waterways. Artistic interventions, like Marina Naprushkina’s inflatable bell-shaped bouncy house outside Gethsemane-Kirche, serve as playful invitations for interaction and community dialogue. Inside, performances by local women, such as Mehtap Baydu’s work centered on food and language, foster connections through shared experiences.

As attendees navigate the transformed churches, they uncover layers of history and cultural evolution, each site offering a glimpse into the region’s past while envisioning its future. Manifesta 16 not only highlights the importance of these religious spaces but also their potential to serve as vibrant community hubs, showcasing the evolving identity of the Ruhr region.

Source: www.designboom.com