The Piarist Church in Litomyšl is adorned with a modern glass column

Litomyšl (Svitavy Region) - The Baroque Piarist church in Litomyšl in the Svitavy region has been enhanced by a Column with a reflective surface. Today, people had the opportunity to view the modern artwork for the first time. The glass sculpture refers to the book of Genesis, said one of the authors, artist Václav Cígler, to ČTK today.
  The piece installed in the newly renovated church consists of approximately a seven-meter-tall column that hovers above the floor at the intersection of the church's nave. Under it is a glass surface about five meters in diameter, meant to evoke water.
  "The book states that the Spirit of the Lord was hovering over the waters. We associate the concept of God with the rainbow, as it is a connection between heaven and people in the sense of mutual covenant," Cígler told ČTK, who collaborated on the piece with Michal Motyčka.
  The installation of the modern sculpture has been discussed for four years, since the city began preparations for the renovation of the castle hill, including the Piarist church. However, there were no funds for the glass piece. Later, a patron was found who financed the Column with a reflective surface. The city has borrowed the sculpture for five years.
  "The column will be able to be removed for possible events. The reflective surface was originally meant to be larger, but regarding the space, that was not possible. The installation of the entire piece was very demanding. The water surface was made several times, as we did not receive the correct shades of glass from the glassworks in the first phase," Cígler said.
  On Easter, the Column with the reflective surface will be complemented by a mensa and a laser cross. The altar will again be made of glass and will contain pulsating light inside. The cross will hover above the heads of visitors. Sensors will be installed above the organ and above the altar painting.
  The installation of modern sculpture in the Baroque interior was supported by heritage protectors and prominent representatives of the church, such as Dominik Duka and Tomáš Halík, while the city council also gave their final approval, said city spokesperson Michaela Severová.