HEKA - Sensation of Touch

Sensation of touch

Mariendom neviges

Sensation of Touch invites audiences to expand their sensory experience through a carefully orchestrated interplay of touch, sound, and scent. By activating the haptic sense alongside acoustic and olfactory stimuli, it creates a space for shared perception—one with the potential to bridge divides between different social groups. The work will be on view in the Mariendom Neviges during August and September 2026.

MARIENDOM NEVIGES is not only a place of prayer, but also an architectural and cultural landmark. Sensitive people will experience a multitude of sensory impressions as soon as they enter the cathedral. The planned installation is intended to reflect this astonishing effect of the cathedral and make it accessible to people in a new way. This special space will be filled with memorable new elements so that it can be experienced as a place of encounter and inspiration.

Click on image to view gallery.

Art has the potential to bring people together regardless of their background, faith or circumstances. In a time of social change, it is more important than ever to find new ways of reaching out and exchanging ideas.

The HEKA Chamber

In a time of social change, Sensation of Touch offers an open space for encounter, dialogue, and shared experience across backgrounds and beliefs.

Team
Joseph Macke
Marius Troy
Andreas Ihlebaek
Steven Mark Kubler
Christine Ovstedal
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Projects

Reasen

We invite scientists from diverse fields to contribute their research on perception and its impact on human experience.

By exploring the intersection of sensory engagement and social connection, their insights can enhance the installation, fostering a deeper understanding of how tactile interactions shape our perceptions of identity, reality and community.

Together, we aim to bridge the gaps within our fragmented society, encouraging dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders to forge a collective vision that celebrates shared human experiences.Both science and religion seek to understand the deeper meaning of life and the universe, employing different methodologies yet pursuing a shared vision, finding truth.
- Scientific Advisory Board
- Irene Rembado, Ph.D.
  Senior Scientist Brain and Consciousness
  Allen Institute
- Dr. Cesare Parise
  Senior Lecturer Psychology
  University of Liverpool
- Prof. Dr. Emily Cross
  Professor at the Department of Humanities, Social and Political Sciences
  ETH Zurich
- Charles Spence, MA Ph.D.
  Professor of Experimental Psychology
  University of Oxford
- Yang Gao, MArch
  Department of Experimental Psychology
  University of Oxford

Team

Marius Troy
Artistic Conductor
Christine Øvstedal
Business Conductor
Joseph Macke
Art & Research Conductor
Andreas Ihlebaek
Director of Music
Steven Mark Kübler
Director of New Media

Manifesto

We stand like a tree. Rooted deep in the earth, with branches reaching for the sky. Steady and resilient. Grounded in our values and always open to what’s next.

We are curious.

We believe in questions more than answers.

We learn every day, exploring the world with no expectation of outcome.

We are both artistic and scientific.

We work with open methods and open hearts.

We bring together art and science — two sides of the same search.

We are democratic and inclusive.

We believe in participation.

We question systems and hierarchies.

We create spaces where every voice is heard.

We are honest.

We hold ourselves accountable.

We take responsibility for our actions and stay transparent, even when it’s uncomfortable.

We are communal.We build connections.

We invite people in, creating spaces of warmth and trust.We are adventurous and playful.We approach challenges with lightness.

We believe in goodness.

We believe in the magic of beginnings.

We stay humble.

When we succeed, we celebrate, and then we ground ourselves.

We give thanks to life and nature.

We find rituals that remind us that every success is part of something larger.

We give back.We act not only for ourselves, but for others — and for the future.

We serve what is bigger than us.

We are free.

We never say no to growth, as long as we stay true to our values.

We are part of nature.

We are part of something that endures.