Notre Dame de Clignancourt

For this ephemeral lighting of Notre-Dame de Clignancourt in Paris’s 18th arrondissement, a delicate dialogue between light and shadow brings new life to the church’s sacred architecture. Inspired by the notion of divine light, the illumination seems to slip through the surrounding foliage, gently touching the façade as a sign of renewal.

The stone appears to awaken, as if spring were quietly unfolding upon its surface. Verdant shadows embrace the structure and the illuminated cross, creating a sense of presence both calm and uplifting. Each weekend, the light takes on a soft blue tone, evoking the Virgin Mary, patron of the church, and subtly announcing the Lord’s Day.

Carried out on December 15, 2021, this spontaneous test relied on just three light sources totaling 226 watts, replacing the multiple floodlights that had illuminated the church for nearly two years. This restrained and energy-efficient approach significantly reduced visual and light pollution while focusing attention on the architectural essence of the façade.

Through its simplicity and precision, the installation restores balance to the nocturnal presence of the church. Light becomes a quiet offering, enhancing the poetry and symbolic depth of the site while allowing the sacred architecture to speak with clarity and dignity.