The Vatican will have a Pavilion in the International Exhibition of Art of the Biennale di Venezia 2015. Cardinal Ravasi describes it as something that's not solely about religion, but also about dialogue.
CARD. GIANFRANCO RAVASI
Commissioner, Pavilion of the Holy See
'An Indian proverb says: If you have two loaves of bread, give one to the poor and sell the other one. Buy a hyacinth flower and also give it to the poor. Meaning the needy have a right to both food and beauty.â?
PAOLO BARATTA
President, Biennale di Venezia
'The Holy See has decided to have a place in the Biennale's dialogue table. It's a conversation about the art world and how we, delve into this world to ask, discuss and understand.â?
The Vatican invited three artists who had never taken part in the event, to prepare works of art that reflect a common religious phrase: 'In the beginningâ?¦the Word became flesh.â?
MICOL FORTI
Author, Pavilion of the Holy See
'We have an artist coming from Africa, another from South America and yet another from Europe. This will bring in different perspectives and through this exchange there will surely be some shock as well. We're hoping this cultural exchange brings about life. It's the risk artists take as they develop their work.â?
The Pavillion will include photographs that reflect extreme poverty. The shots were taken by Mario Macilau, from Mozambique. It is inspired by the parable of the Good Samaritan.
From Macedonia, artist Elpida Hadzi-Vasileva will present a type of tent made out of feathers, bones and animal skins. It's a symbol that's meant to reflect how a second skin gives way to beauty.
From Colombia, Monika Bravo will present a superimposed installation on glass panels with images of nature, shapes and Gospel texts in Greek.
MICOL FORTI
Author, Pavilion of the Holy See
'The artist develops these images triggering a movement that calls on spectators to delve into this world, where these two key elements: image and word, come alive in the same space.â?
The Vatican's Pavilion will open on May 5 and will run until November 22. It has cost 400,000 euros, which have been covered by sponsors. Other 89 countries will participate in art exhibit, which in the past 120 years, has become an artistic tradition of Venice.
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