”Sanctuary”

object / function / consideration – action and the series of photographs were made during the ”Sanctuary” international event in Valetta, Malta, 2011 / organizer: Artscenico – a non-profit cultural initiative situated in Dortmund, Germany.

A doormat with an inscription ”Sanctuary” — object / function / consideration. A mat placed in a doorway, on which people can wipe their shoes on entering a building.
A doormat with an inscription ”Sanctuary” does not retain an unequivocal function. Isn’t an act of wiping shoes (wiping the inscription Sanctuary) an act of ignorance? Perhaps it informs about the fact that we deal with a special place. Should we keep its function while showing a respect at entering. The choice is left to the person entering…