Moscow Art Collective Scraps Eye of Sauron Installation After Russian Orthodox Church Opposition
A Moscow art collective canceled plans for an illuminated art installation inspired by the Eye of Sauron from JRR Tolkien's works due to opposition from a Russian Orthodox Church spokesperson, who expressed concerns that the piece symbolized evil's victory over good, potentially harming the city. The installation was intended to top a building in Moscow and coincide with the release of the final film in The Hobbit trilogy adaptation. The Guardian reported the story on 10 December 2014, noting the collective abandoned its proposals after the church's intervention. The work's thematic link to Tolkien's fantasy universe and its timing with the film release were key aspects of the planned project. No specific details about the collective's name or the building's location were provided in the source material. The decision highlights tensions between artistic expression and religious sensitivities in Russia. The installation's abandonment underscores the influence of institutional voices on public art projects in Moscow.
Key facts
- A Moscow art collective proposed an illuminated art installation based on the Eye of Sauron from JRR Tolkien's books
- The installation was planned to sit on top of a Moscow building
- A spokesperson from the Russian Orthodox Church opposed the installation, expressing concern it represented the triumph of evil over good
- The collective abandoned the proposals due to this opposition
- The installation was intended to coincide with the release of the final film in The Hobbit trilogy adaptation
- The Guardian reported the story on 10 December 2014
- The church's opposition was based on the work's perceived demonic symbolism
- The source material does not name the art collective or the specific building
Entities
Institutions
- Russian Orthodox Church
- The Guardian
Locations
- Moscow
- Russia