Deus ex machina

Brass Gold Plated / 210x297x307mm

Collapsible altar, which is illuminated with a  tapered candle. Three spare candles can be stored inside.

In the days of ancient Greek theatre it often happened that a play became too complicated to be understood. If this was the case, a trapdoor was opened in the ceiling to let in a God who was supposed to explain the world. In our modern times, there are moments where such a machine would come in handy, too. If you find yourself in a difficult situation, you can take out the altar, have a moment of peace and quiet, and find personal enlightenment.

The altar is my way to translate into contemporary design language all the things I find positive and lacking in religions. The aesthetics of such a piece follow a narrow path between modern coolness and traditional kitsch.

In order to keep surfaces of this scale from buckling, they may neither be heated nor deformed by forging. This is the reason why many details were solved by screwing, sawing and raising. However, the groves provided for candle storage were provided with the aid of hydraulic press and round bar. This allows for a much calmer and more precise effect. The breakthroughs behind the Madonna are positioned in a way to let through the light thrown by the candle. This makes the Madonna appear illuminated.