Alfredo Jaar’s design for Sanctuary, titled Requiem, affirms his reputation for works of simple beauty that address complex sociopolitical issues. In this case, he reflects on a growing atmosphere of fear, mistrust, and oppression that seems to threaten human freedoms around the world. Lit candles have universal significance as symbols of life, reverence, memory, prayer, hope in mourning—they shine in vigils, fill altars, and commemorate unity. In his statement about the piece, he writes, “Light. More light. Light for these dark times.”
