An Installation in the Sanctuary of First Church Boston
Artist Talk and Opening Reception, 12 pm, Sunday, March 25
First Church Boston, 66 Marlborough Street, Boston, MA 02116
Within this stunning building designed by Paul Rudolph in 1968, John Tracey has installed his recent paintings and sculpture. The dialogue between this modernist architectural gem and Tracey’s contemporary work is both respectful and uplifting. The muscular and angular design of the sanctuary of First Church could easily overwhelm many artists’ vocabulary, but Tracey’s luminous encaustics and silvery patinaed sculptures become the choir for this spiritual space. Tracey’s liminal imagery suggests universal place and presence, from his hovering birdlike form above the lectern (Bird of Light), to his painted stone-like façade behind it (Winter 2018).
There are 18 works installed throughout the various levels of this soaring sanctuary. Tracey’s paintings and sculptures bring into focus the stunning sacred spaces within Paul Rudolph’s extraordinary First Church Boston.
I have found sanctuary in nature at a quarry in the Hopkinton State Park. The emotion of that place. The shifting light on stone under the cathedral canopy of pine.
I bring that to the studio – the studio becomes the sanctuary. The sanctuary is a place within myself.
I’m interested in the basic things we share. The sun, moon, trees, stone, fire, the horizon. Places of contemplation and thought – visual experience.
We share these things and now I share my work with you here in this sanctuary – First Church Boston.
John Tracey
An architect’s function is to help man forget his troubles, and enrich his spirit. We must not lose sight of our task.
Architecture is a timeless medium based on age-old principles.
The varying quality of appropriate space is the chief organizing element, not structure.
My buildings have a life of their own. The architect must be single-minded…have a private view of the world.
Paul Rudolph
Click here to see more of John’s work on our website
