Maurizio Cattalan, Zoe Soldana collaborate in iconoclastic Vatican exhibition inside women’s prison
VENICE, Italy (AP) — A pair of nude feet — dirty, wounded and vulnerable — are painted on the façade of the Venice women’s prison chapel, the work of Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan and part of the Vatican’s pavilion at the Venice Biennale contemporary art show in an innovative collaboration between inmates and artists.
That Cattelan is the lead artist is striking, given that his provocative life-size was figure of Pope John Paul II lying on his side, crushed by a massive meteorite, shocked Catholics when it was displayed at the 2001 Biennale. The new work, titled “Father,” is considered a thematic counterpoint to a performance piece he produced for the 1999 Biennale titled “Mother,” during which a religious ascetic was buried under sand, with only his hands clasped in prayer showing.
The Vatican’s culture minister, Cardinal Jose Tolentino de Mendonca, praised the work, which he noted recalled the naked, dirty feet of Caravaggio’s saints, while also being highly symbolic of the journey behind the Holy See’s pavilion, showing “the desire to dirty one’s feet, to show that whoever has feet has a carnality.’’
Related articles
Inquiry slams UK authorities for failures that killed thousands in infected blood scandal
LONDON (AP) — British authorities and the country’s public health service knowingly exposed tens of2024-05-21More innovation urged in fight to end tuberculosis
Health experts have called for more innovation in diagnosing and treating tuberculosis to bolster pr2024-05-21China welcomes San Francisco mayor's visit to China
China welcomes U.S. San Francisco Mayor London Breed's visit to China and hopes the visit will f2024-05-21Iranian FM opens new consulate in Damascus following Israeli strike
The Iranian flag is raised over the new consulate in Damascus, Syria, on April 8, 2024. [Photo/Xinhu2024-05-21Socialite Jasmine Hartin enjoys beach snuggle with electrician hunk
Socialite Jasmine Hartin has been seen enjoying a beach snuggle with her new mystery man.Ms Hartin w2024-05-21- Quinta Brunson was joined by Niecy Nash-Betts and Sandra Oh to lead the stars at the 76th Writers G2024-05-21
atest comment