© Photos: Roberto Alborghetti

An extension of 50 square meters. Almost 20 thousand colored stones and glasses tiles. These numbers summarized an extraordinary artwork: the mosaic that Slovenian artist Marko Rupnik has created on the walls of the chapel of Suore Adoratrici at the Spirituality Center in Lenno ( Lake Como, Italy). Rupnik’s work – articulated in the scenes of the Nativity and Moses salvation – is a veritable feast of colors conceived, designed and made with meticulous care, great creativity and exceptional talent. Each little stone, every color and every hue are referring to spiritual, religious, cultural and social meanings.

They are mixed and fused in a fascinating tale that brings together two distinct stories – Moses saved from the waters and the Birth of Jesus – in an unique and impressive performance. Marko Rupnik mosaic is not only an incredible artwork, but also and above all an expression of the mystery, whose basic theological idea is this: as the matter changes if it is illuminated by natural light, so human heart may do wonders if it is opened to the Light.

The work was completed in five days during June 2007. Marko Rupnik lead a 11 persons team from different nationalities, formed and supported by competent people who deal with theological, symbolic, historical, iconographic and artistic point of view about the images to create. The harmony we admire in the mosaic is also the result of the fraternity that artists lived together, respecting single diversity and identity. While each artist composed his mosaic’s part, silence prevailed. Each artist has to dialogue with the stones. And the stones answer, obey and communicate with heart’s artist.

Roberto Alborghetti