Sanctuary at the Aga Khan

What does sanctuary mean to you?

I've written before about the biblical notion of sanctuary which stretches from places of safety in the wilderness (think of Elijah) to holy places of protection to the places of worship in our Christian tradition. In many denominations the worship space is described as the sanctuary, but there is also the notion of churches being sanctuaries for those fleeing oppression. A number of United Church congregations have harboured individuals and families so that they might avoid deportation to countries where they risked persecution and violence. 

Sanctuary is not exclusive to the Judeo/Christian tradition. In March a new exhibition will open at the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto, a remarkable place of tranquility and beauty which upholds the rich history of Islam. The participating artists have been asked to imagine and express sanctuary within the confines of 4 x 6 foot woven rugs. Here is how the exhibition is described: 

What does sanctuary mean to you? Step inside an immersive and contemplative space dedicated to exploring the concept of safe haven. Woven rugs designed by thirty-six leading artists from around the world, including Mona Hatoum and Brendan Fernandes, reflect their personal responses to the word sanctuary — whether that means refuge, sacred space, place of beauty, or something entirely unique. The 36 artworks are spectacularly varied, reflecting the great diversity of the artists’ heritages, philosophies, and histories — many of which include experiences as refugees and migrants.



We intend to visit the exhibition so that we might stretch and strengthen our sense of sanctuary and perhaps to glimpse the holy through the eyes of those from another religious tradition. 

Do you have your own sense of sanctuary or safe haven, or specific places which are sanctuaries for you? Does this  exhibition intrigue you, both in terms of the concept and the location?