Tube

nylon, blower, hardware, 2005

Lee Boroson

When considering an installation that might translate well to the space of the San Damiano Mission, I was inspired by the light that emanates from the side chapel. I loved being in the space with the evidence of work and renewal, and this corner was particularly vibrant, with a statue of Christ that was being restored and the pipe organ was being rebuilt in the mezzanine.

This sculpture (Tube), originally built for and installed in a space (The Marie Walsh Sharpe Foundation, at the time located on Greenwich Street in Tribeca) that looked out over the Hudson River, was inspired by the western light filtering in through the window and focused on New York City’s proximity to the ocean.

Installing Tube in this corner of the church focuses on the entry and transition of light from the side chapel and creates interference, but not obstruction for access to the mezzanine.

It can be a spiritual moment when one has access to a rare part/ moment in the natural world that is synonymous with access to the church as an inclusive architecture, as when it is not functioning as a traditional church. This duality in architecture, when a space, instilled with a refined function, allows a quotidian or utilitarian access, shows the support structure the theatrical function of the space.