Shrine: A Little Book About Paul Thek
There is a photograph of Paul walking on a lawn and carrying a life-sized version of the cross. It appears to be quite heavy, made of wood. It can be seen to rest upon his shoulders. This is somewhere in
In this quiet, reflective piece on the life of Paul Thek, a photographer from Germany, there is a poignant photograph showing him walking on a lawn, carrying a large wooden cross on his shoulders. This scene, set in Germany, is juxtaposed with images of giraffes over his chest of drawers and icons resting above him, creating a strange and beautiful blend of objects that belong seemingly nowhere.
The artist describes his desire to bring distant concepts close, summon absent entities to his present reality, and the melancholic thoughts of parting and death that accompany the approaching autumn. He describes himself as a mouthpiece for the bits he has crafted and set to rest, finding value in what others may deem shabby or insignificant.
Among his possessions, Thek's "Shrine" stands out—a crate once used for milk, now filled with unmailed letters, pictures, objects, and notes. It is this collection of items that he refers to as his life. He reads within its walls, surrounded by the rhythm of the sea, and feels its presence over his body as he tries to sleep.
He recalls his childhood memories of church, a place where care was taken to create a beautiful world through candles, incense, and the beeswax that filled the air. He remembers the liturgy's order, passion, and simplicity, along with the memories of singing in the choir during Easter, despite his voice sometimes breaking.
Thek's artistic journey is tied to worship, where he believes art lost its creative drive when separated from worship. He reflects on the Swedish theater and film director Ingmar Bergman, who, he says, he once met. Bergman's words about art and its relationship with divine purpose influence Thek's perspective.
The kinks in Thek's personal life are told through his interactions with others. He shares his garden, born from a shared effort with a Norwegian friend, Fenrir, now deceased. The garden flourishes under his care, adorned with flowers and a rooftop pyramid filled with yellow and blue paintings.
Thek's work, like his life, is a collection of various elements—a prayer for unity, a protest against forgetting, and an aspiration for an enviable atmosphere that leaves a lasting impact.
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