Vatican Hosts Art Exhibition in Women's Prison for Venice Biennale

The Vatican is hosting an art exhibition titled "With my Eyes" at a women's prison on the island of Giudecca in Venice, Italy, as part of the 60th Venice Biennale. The exhibition, which features the works of 10 different artists, aims to investigate the daily lives of the prisoners and encourage a dialogue between art and the incarcerated world.

The curator, Bruno Racine, chose the prison as the venue because it functions as a "message in itself." The exhibition includes paintings, poems, and a neon message that can be seen from the prison cells, all designed to involve the inmates in a unique artistic and human experience. Twenty prisoners are serving as guides for the exhibition, providing visitors with a rare insight into their lives.

Pope Francis, known for his advocacy of prisoners' rights, plans to visit the exhibition during his trip to Venice on April 28, 2024. This will mark the first time a pontiff has visited the Venice Biennale art exhibition. During his visit, the Pope will meet with prisoners and staff, view the Holy See's pavilion exhibition, and deliver speeches. He will also visit the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute and celebrate Mass in St. Mark's Square before returning to the Vatican.

Why this matters: The Vatican's decision to host an art exhibition in a women's prison emphasizes the importance of encouraging dialogue and understanding between the art world and marginalized communities. This pioneering initiative demonstrates the power of art to transcend boundaries and promote social inclusion, while also drawing attention to the often-overlooked experiences of incarcerated individuals.

The exhibition features a diverse range of artworks, including a painting of bare feet, poems and messages transcribed on lava slabs, a neon eye symbolizing the inmates' inability to access the outside world, and a garden where the prisoners grow fruits and vegetables. French artist Claire Tabouret's paintings of the prisoners and their loved ones, along with a short film by Italian director Marco Perego, add to the immersive experience.

The Vatican's exhibition is part of a larger trend at the Venice Biennale, with other pavilions also addressing social and political issues. Nigeria's second-ever pavilion, for example, features works by eight Nigerian artists that explore the violence of colonial history and chart a path forward, including Yinka Shonibare's replicas of the Benin Bronzes and a sculpture by Ndiki Dike commemorating protests against police in 2020.

Pope Francis' upcoming visit to the exhibition underscores the Vatican's commitment to promoting dialogue and understanding between the Church and marginalized communities. "The exhibition is meant to be an 'artistic and human experience' that fosters dialogue between art and the incarcerated world," said curator Bruno Racine. The Pope's presence is expected to draw international attention to the exhibition and the issues it raises, while also providing a sense of hope and recognition for the prisoners involved.

Key Takeaways

• Vatican hosts art exhibition "With my Eyes" at women's prison in Venice.
• Exhibition features works of 10 artists to explore prisoners' daily lives.
• Pope Francis plans to visit exhibition, marking first papal visit to Venice Biennale.
• Exhibition aims to promote dialogue between art world and incarcerated community.
• Other Biennale pavilions also address social and political issues, like Nigeria's.