Pope Francis will meet dozens of international artists at the Sistine Chapel on Friday, reaffirming the Roman Catholic Church’s commitment to artistic practice and urging artists to be catalysts for change in areas such as social justice. I asked him to serve as a
But since the group sat among Renaissance frescoes by Michelangelo, Botticelli, Perugino, and others (which was undoubtedly one of the highest points of patronage of papal art), all present were in a traditional setting. He had no religious inclinations.
Among them were American artists. Andres Serranowhose picture “Piss Christ” is an image of a plastic crucifix submerged in a tank filled with urine, was considered blasphemous when it was released in 1987.
On Friday, Francisco congratulated Mr. Serrano and gave him a cheerful thumbs up.
“I was surprised to be invited, but even more surprised that he gave me the thumbs up,” Serrano later said. “And I was very happy that the church understood that I am a Christian artist and not a profane artist. I am just an artist.”
The gathering was held to mark the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Vatican Museums’ collection of modern and contemporary art. Inaugurated by Pope Paul VI in June 1973, the collection includes works by Van Gogh, Francis Bacon, Marc Chagall and Matisse, as well as contemporary artists such as photographers Rinko Kawauchi, Bill Armstrong and Mimmo Jodis. It includes work by the new media artist collective Studio Azzurro. .
Nine years ago, Paul VI convened artists in the Sistine Chapel to bridge the gap between the church and contemporary artists, a fruit that has existed for centuries. Contrast with a certain collaboration. The Museum of Contemporary Art was one of the fruits of that conference.
At Friday’s gathering, Bishop Paul Tai said there was no “master plan” in choosing artists. Secretary of the Vatican’s Department of Culture and Education. Among them were Brazilian musician Caetano Veloso, British film director Ken Loach, and British-Indian sculptor Anish Kapoor.
Some were known to the Vatican, others were recommended for the event. “And there were some favorites that we wanted,” laughed Bishop Tai, but didn’t specify who they were.
Involving writers and artists working in non-visual media is a manifestation of a desire to “expand the relationship between the church and artists,” he said. He pointed out that he was invading.
“We want to go into the art world, participate in literary festivals and music, just get involved,” said Bishop Tai. “And being there as part of the dialogue and being.”
Francisco told the group: “Neither art nor faith can leave things as they are. They change, change, move, transform.” Art can never act as an anesthetic. It brings peace, but instead of dulling their consciences, it keeps them on guard. ”
The artists in attendance said they were honored to be invited and moved by the Pope’s words.
“I was moved by his words about harmony, because I am a musician and all the concerts we give are about harmony,” said Dutch violinist and conductor André Rieu. The Pope said, “True beauty is a reflection of harmony.”
Francisco also called on artists to “remember the poor”. They, too, “need art and beauty,” but usually “have no voice to make their voices heard,” quoted British filmmaker Ken Loach.
“It’s clear from the Pope’s statements that he calls for social justice and world harmony, but those in power are destroying it the same way they destroy the Earth,” Loach later said. Told. “He told us not to forget the poor. I think he was talking about social justice. It means empowering the poor.”
The Belgian cultural historian and author David Van Laybrook gave Francisco a copy of his book Congo: A Grand History of the People. He called the Pope’s visit in February “a pivotal event in the history of this country.” And he said he thanked Francis for his environmental encyclical “Laudato Si”, or “Praise Be”.
“Few religious leaders have been so strong, so bold and so brave when it comes to tackling climate change,” said Van Raebrook, who thanked him for attending the rally. “It’s rare to find such a density of artistic talent in a few square meters,” he says.
Serrano said some recent photographs of the Pietà (a statue of the Virgin Mary meditating on the dead Christ on her knees) are in the Vatican’s collection, despite controversy over some of her own work. He said he hopes to be added.
Serrano also said he was convinced that Francisco knew exactly who he was when he just smiled and gave him a thumbs up.
“It was a wonderful, mischievous smile,” Serrano said.
Asked about the controversial decision to invite the artist, Bishop Tai said artists have the ability to be provocative and have the ability to “awaken us and evoke a new sense of vigilance and a new consciousness”. said.
“I think we all have to work on the assumption of the good intentions of the artist who is trying to say something challenging, and sometimes we have to resort to powerful means to wake us up. he added.
