From the Church that brought you the Shrine to Judas, a light column that looks like a phallus.

Art and Church

Illuminated phallus obelisk in the Ursuline Church

The Ursuline Church in Linz is once again the venue for an art exhibition. The Diocesan Art Association and the University of Art and Design Linz are presenting "Moments of Transition"—meditative installations in the church interior and the crypt. One column of light, however, also resembles a phallus.

Over the past decades, the Ursuline Church has steadily established itself as an "art church" in Linz's city centre. It sees itself as a place of vibrant dialogue—provocations are welcome.

Not only during Lent, but also in autumn – with Christmas in mind – the new exhibition "Moments of Transition" is being presented here. On display are works by artists who have received the Diocesan Art Association's grant over the past three years.

Not only during Lent, but also in autumn – with an eye toward Christmas – the new exhibition "Moments of Transition" is now being presented.

An inflated, illuminated obelisk, surrounded by seating, immediately creates a sense of unease in the entrance area. While obelisks are considered phallic symbols in art history, they are also seen as symbols of fertility and creative power.

Alexandra Kahl and Jan Weiler, however, see it in their concept more as a "targeted beam of light" that invites visions. When asked about the phallic motif by the "Krone" (a local newspaper), Maria Reitter-Kollmann, chairwoman of the Diocesan Art Association, says: "One shouldn't just think in that direction, but rather consider it as a 'spaceship' that invites mental flight."

The obelisk is also accompanied by a sound performance that intensifies the atmosphere and makes the sacred space a new experience.

Films in the crypt

The crypt – formerly the burial place of the Ursuline sisters – is once again being used for performances. Daniela Gutmann has hung screens showing two films. In one, you can look into the eyes of different people who identify with various gender orientations. A second film follows a body as it rolls down a slope.

Daniela Trinkl's wall installation "In Between" is particularly interesting: three luminous, box-like elements in warm yellow act like windows into other dimensions, inviting viewers to reflect on becoming and transience. The exhibition runs until October 31st, with guided tours offered every Thursday and Friday at 4 pm and 5 pm.

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See also Shrine to Judas