Ra Paulette, “Tree of Life Cave” (2011-2019), United States. Photo by Nicolas Peña. All images © the artists, courtesy of TASCHEN, shared with permission
From ancient pyramids to subterranean labyrinths to mountaintop meccas, we have always been drawn to visiting or building sites that inspire reverence and awe. Since time immemorial, humans have venerated the sun and stars, the earth, and countless deities, organizing our routines and celebrations around the seasons, solstices, and special holidays.
Sacred Sites, the forthcoming 520-page book in TASCHEN’s ongoing The Library of Esoterica series, celebrates how we traverse and transform the world around us through ritual and art. Compiled by Jessica Hundley, Sacred Sites surveys a remarkable array of places and artworks through more than 400 images centered around pilgrimage, performance, and devotion.
Famed locations like Machu Picchu in Peru or giant Buddha statues carved from rocky hillsides in China are complemented by contemporary pieces like Ra Paulette’s painstakingly hand-chiseled “Tree of Life Cave” or Daniel Martin Diaz’s ode to ancient sacred symbolism in “Pyramid Frequencies.” Through an emphasis on beauty and a sense of wonder, Sacred Sites celebrates a range of historical and contemporary places and artworks that tap into the idolized or holy.
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Daniel Martin Diaz, “Pyramid Frequencies” (2021), United States
Ram Yantra at Jantar Mantar, 1724, Delhi, India. Photo courtesy of Dorling Kindersley/UIG/Bridgeman Images
Michael P. Smith, “Larry Bannock, Big Chief, Golden Star Hunters” (1982), United States. © The Historic New Orleans Collection
Unknown artist, Rocchetta Mattei Chapel, 19th century, Italy. Photo by Godong / Bridgeman Images
Unknown artist, Buddha Statue, 8th century, China. Photo by akg-images / Erich Lessing
William Blake, “Jacob’s Ladder” (1800-1803), pen and watercolor on paper, England. Photo courtesy of Bridgeman Images
Yann Arthus-Bertrand, “Moshav (co-operative village) farm at Nahalal, Jezrael plain, Israel (32°41’ N, 35°13’ E)”
Christo and Jeanne-Claude, “Wrapped Monument to Leonardo” (1970), Bulgaria and Morocco. Photo by Harry Shunk
Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $5 per month. The article The Newest Addition to ‘The Library of Esoterica’ Explores Sacred Sites Around the World appeared first on Colossal.
