Kontúr Crucifix

This crucifix is located in Room B062 of Jenkins Nanovic.

This Slovakian crucifix was originally crafted by artist Igor Kontúr, a longtime employee of the Faculty of Arts and Letters at the Catholic University in Ružomberok, Slovakia.

This crucifix showcases both a wooden post and crosspiece. The wooden pieces appear organic and untouched; the bark is visible and the rugged edges are not smoothed out. This cross is set in contrast to the abstract body of Christ. The body is made up of iron wire and pewter, which creates a mangled and distorted appearance.

Kontúr based all of his work on his own life experiences as well as family heritage. The inspiration behind this cross dates to the end of 2016, when Kontúr’s father died of severe illness. Kontúr’s father was also an artist who devoted his life to folk art. The story of the inspiration behind this crucifix is detailed below:

A strong storm came along one December, bringing thunder and lighting, a rather unusual phenomenon at that time of year. The wood from which this cross is made came from a plum tree, which stood on the plot of Kontúr’s parents’ house. During the storm, lightning struck the plum tree and cut it into two halves. The post and crosspiece of the cross each come from a different part of the tree, which represents two parts that were once one whole. The body of Christ is made from a combination of iron wire and pewter. These metals represent the strength, steadfastness, and continuity of faith.

This crucifix was donated by Catholic University in Ružomberok, Slovakia, a member of the Catholic Universities Partnership with the Nanovic Institute for European Studies.

Turn right when you exit the room; continue down the hallway toward the stairs. The next crucifix is in Room B044, on your right.