The end of the Jubilee of Mercy is nearing on November 20th, therefore, the Hungarian Embassy wanted to pay tribute to Pope Francis with these 12 letters, each one over 16 feet tall forming the word 'Misericordia,' or mercy in English, near the Vatican.
The project started a year ago and none of the twelve artists, three Italians and nine Hungarians, wanted to miss the opportunity to be part of this fun and meaningful exposure for both the city of Rome and the Vatican.
MELANIE LORO
Artist, 'Misericordia'
'The works have been photographed, printed and then stuck on the letters. So on the front, we have the works of each artist and the sides have the Italian and Hungarian flags, representing dialogue between the two countries.'
The interestingly massive art work is exhibited near Castel Sant'Angelo, at least until the end of the Year of Mercy this month.
MELANIE LORO
Artist, 'Misericordia'
'It is the first work of art that is exposed in front of Via della Conciliazione, which explains the Church not only to Catholics, Christians and people of faith. It displays the values of mercy, especially compassion and care for others from a view point, we say can be pagan, urban and contemporary. It is an honor to be the pioneers of an initiative, lasting hopefully, for the long term.'
The exhibition has been so well received by the public, and as soon as visitors see the letters, they begin taking pictures with them.
'I like it. I think it's bold, it's colorful. And I think because it's modern, people are able to relate to it.'
'I think this is very colorful, it's very nice.'
'I think it strongly agrees with the city and draws attention so people read the letters that say 'mercy.''
The work draws reams of attention, as people who come to look go straight to their favorite letter.
'The 'M', because it reminds me of someone.'
It is a piece of work with a very clear intention: to unite both religious and nonreligious, and celebrate the end of the Jubilee through art in the most colorful and close way possible.
