The Showcase: Christoph Morlinghaus

“The Showcase” is a weekly publication featuring a photographer that has caught our eye here at The F STOP. I’ve asked Christoph Morlinghaus to answer a few questions about his series of studies on religious architecture. 

Where did you get the idea for this project Form/Faith? 

The idea to shoot a project based on mid century ecclesiastical architecture came about as a result of photographing the TWA terminal at JFK in 2002. TWA’s  architect was Eero Saarinen. I thought that the resulting images from that shoot had a very ecclesiastical, cathedral-like character. After digging deeper into Saarinens work, I found that he as well as his father, Eliel Saarinen, had built places of worship. Researching further resulted in a list of iconic 20th century modernist architects that had built churches, temples, synagogues and cathedrals.

What appeals to you about these religious structures? 

The way the materials ( concrete, glass and metal), combined with the use of light as an additional dimension were used to achieve a sense of space and spiritual experience without all the usual decorative frills and bombast seen in most conventional places. In addition I find it is incredible to experience the effort that goes into places that were built just for the purpose of worship. Easy access was another advantage.

How did you find and then get access to these places of worship? 

Internet research helped me find most of the places. Then my producer and I began emailing and calling them. There wasn’t anyone that wasn’t extremely open, enthusiastic and inviting. If a place wasn’t open, I just called a day in advance and somebody gave me access.

What do you want people to take away from these images? 

When I make photographs, I do not think about what peoples reactions will be or how the final image will be perceived, this is not important to me. What I do not want people to take away from these particular images is some sort of religious message or confirmation of their belief. Also, all images from that series are for sale and it would be great if people continue to buy the prints.

Your imagery always seems to explore one type of place at a time like airports, roller coasters, etc. what makes you choose one of these places…is it just the aesthetics or is there something else that attracts you? 

Of course aesthetics plays a major role. Also I am often drawn to places that would normally be populated but are presently unpopulated. Places of historical significance also interest me.