Belgian sculptor Johan Tahon offers a masterpiece to the Society of Jesus
Metanoia
In the context of the beginning of the Ignatian Year, Father General Arturo Sosa had the pleasure of receiving a work of art by an internationally renowned sculptor, Johan Tahon. The presentation was made at the General Curia on Tuesday 11 May.
The statue, entitled Metanoia, represents the experience of Ignatius of Loyola, in particular his conversion. Johan Tahon explained to Father Sosa the origin of the work. In contact with the Jesuits in Flanders, he was touched by Ignatian spirituality. With the Flemish Jesuit Jan Koenot, he was able to visit Ignatian places in Spain, especially where Saint Ignatius began his journey of conversion. This inspired him to present a character in pain (his leg injury), but also in reflection (the Manresa experience) as he lets himself be transformed by the Holy Spirit.
The
work is made of sandstone and covered with a varnish that is resistant to all
temperatures; it can be displayed both indoors and outdoors. During the coming
year, the plan is to exhibit the statue in various Jesuit places in Rome where
a wider public will have the opportunity to appreciate it. It is worth
mentioning that on the eve of his meeting with Father General, Johan Tahon had
the pleasure of presenting a copy of the same Ignatian sculpture to Pope
Francis himself.
© Francesco Zizola
About the artist
Johan Tahon is a Belgian artist, born in 1965. In his own words, he did not become a sculptor, but has always been one. Sculpture is like breathing. He studied at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts (KASK) in Ghent. He lives and works in Belgium and Switzerland.
Most
of his works are sculptures in stoneware, some are in bronze. He first gained a
solid reputation in his home country, in the Netherlands and in Germany. Thanks
to his frequent participation in international exhibitions, he is now well
known in various countries. Some of his works are displayed in public spaces. A
few years ago, he won a competition organised by the Lutheran Church in Hanover
to create a work commemorating the relationship between church and synagogue
throughout history.
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