With so much controversy over the official memorial at Ground Zero, it is encouraging to see one independent memorial already commissioned and achieved, with no fuss and a good result.
St Joseph's Chapel, the Catholic church nearest to Ground Zero, sustained considerable damage on September 11 2001 but, once cleared of its altar and pews, provided a centre of operations for rescue workers. As part of its restoration, St Joseph's commissioned artists to create new work.
The first to complete his task is John Collie. Known for his sensitive religious sculptures, he was chosen to create four life-size bronzes that portray St Michael, patron saint of police, St Florian, patron of firefighters, St Joseph, patron of workers, and St Mary Magdalene, the first witness to the Resurrection.
In a long tradition of western figurative ecclesiastical art, finding a new voice - fresh but not avant garde - is an exciting discovery. Collier balances age-old piety with contemporary sensibilities, without offending the less adventurous. Collier's hero is Rodin and, like Rodin's, his figures are sculpted in traditional style, first in clay, from a nude model. After this Collier sculpts the clothes on to the figure, then casts them in bronze.
With the exception of St Michael, who comes with over-large wings and the expected devil-headed snake, the figures are convincing in their here-and-now humanity. Collier is able to create a sympathetic version of classical realism in a refreshingly poetic way. All the figures evoke a spiritual presence. Mary Magdalene's pivoting foot and worried air as she hurries to Christ's tomb, and St Florian's upset bucket and precarious perch on a broken ladder are especially telling.
Expressively modelled, and cast in meticulous detail with beautiful bronze patina by Schaefer Foundry, these figures retain a lively reality. "As grand as any secular memorial might be," says Collier, "it can only say: 'Remember.' This commission gives me the freedom to express our hope for life everlasting."
The sculptures will be installed at St Joseph's in May but are making their debut at St Peter's Lutheran Church in mid-town, at 54th and Lexington. It is the perfect place, for St Peter's is well known for its broad church and diverse congregation, plus dedication to contemporary art, music, theatre, dance and jazz. The light and airy interior, designed by Massimo and Lella Vignelli in 1977, is enhanced by work from internationally famous artists, including Louise Nevelson's spectacular white and gold chapel, Dale Chihuly studio glass, a Kiki Smith processional cross and, outside, Pomodoro's monumental bronze cross.
Collier has also sculpted a crucifix, sadly not destined for St Joseph's. It was originally designed for St Gabriel's Church in McKinney, Texas, and included a larger tree of life, but this smaller bronze version has all the power and more to move the viewer, regardless of religion, creed or belief.
Many artists from Leonardo da Vinci to Salvador Dalí have tried to reconcile their own beliefs with contemporary orthodoxy, but it is rare in the 21st century to find an artist with such an ability to make bronze transcend its boundaries.
'John Collier, Sculpture for St Joseph's 9/11 Memorial', St Peter's Lutheran Church, New York, until April 17.
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