One of the most famous collection pieces from Luxembourg's Kirchberg Museum, which was removed amid public protests and stored in a depot for years, is now on display in Germany's Saarland region. The controversial artwork by Belgian artist Wim Delvoye has found a new home and is being celebrated as a major cultural attraction.
The piece in question is Delvoye's Chapel, a provocative installation that incorporates X-ray images of human intestines as material for chapel windows. This unusual artistic approach combines religious imagery with medical photography, creating a striking and controversial visual experience that challenges traditional notions of sacred art.
The artwork was originally housed at the Mudam (Musée d'Art Moderne Grand-Duc Jean) in Luxembourg's Kirchberg district, where it was considered one of the museum's most notable acquisitions. However, the piece faced significant public opposition, leading to protests that ultimately resulted in its removal from public display and placement in storage.
After spending years in the museum's depot, the chapel installation has been relocated to the Völklingen Ironworks World Heritage Site in Saarland, Germany, where it is now being presented as a major art highlight. The Völklingen Hütte, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has become the new venue for this controversial yet significant work of contemporary art.
Wim Delvoye, known for his provocative and unconventional artistic approaches, created the chapel windows using X-ray photographs of intestinal loops, transforming medical imagery into a commentary on spirituality, mortality, and the human condition. This unique artistic vision continues to generate discussion and debate among art critics and the public alike.
