gold leaf murals by ramos alderete studio symbolize baptism and penance in madrid chapels

sacramental murals at the chapels of baptism and penance

Ramos Alderete Studio has completed a series of contemplative murals for the Chapels of Baptism and Penance in the newly built church of Francisco de Vitoria University in Madrid. These semi-circular chapel murals, symmetrically positioned at the entrance of the church opposite the altar and open to the nave, reflect the spiritual nature of the sacraments they represent.

Each chapel’s artwork has its own particular nuance, created by a composition of lines or vertical strokes in blue and violet painted directly onto gold leaf, symbolizing the ‘rain of grace’ in Baptism and the ‘purple tears’ in Penance. These dynamic gestures of the hand give the chapels their unique character, while also reinforcing their connection to the rest of the church’s design.

ramos alderete studio creates dialogue with church and art

The artistic approach was guided by the symbolism of the church and its existing architectural elements, particularly the use of gold leaf seen on the altarpiece and other sacramental spaces. Meanwhile, the circular geometry of the chapels creates a more intimate and introspective tone. This contrast with the open, reflective quality of the rest of the space establishes a distinct ambiance, while still maintaining continuity.

The vertical strokes of each mural are further rendered with a personal touch. ‘This operation, painting on gold leaf, gives rise to a vibration that works with the same idea of the UFV chapel: the personal and the communal, the universal Church and the particular Churches,’ notes the team at Ramos Alderete Studio.

Further, the interaction of light with the gold leaf and painted strokes introduces a further dimension to the space. As natural light shifts, the murals’ tone and transparency alter, inviting contemplation. The subtle movement of lines within the structured verticality evokes a sense of transcendence, reinforcing the murals’ role in preparing the faithful for the Eucharistic encounter. Through these deliberate choices, the Spanish practice has crafted an intimate and reflective visual environment that complements the spiritual purpose of the Chapels of Baptism and Penance.

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project info:

name: Mural paintings for the Chapels of Baptism and Penance in the University Church of Francisco de Vitoria
designer: Ramos Alderete Studio | @ramos_alderete

design team: Jorge Ramos Alderete, Jaime Ramos Alderete, Pablo Ramos Alderete

location: Madrid, Spain

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