Pope Visits Vatican Pavilion at Venice Biennale
Pope Francis made history by visiting the Holy See pavilion at the 60th Venice Biennale, the first time a pope has attended the international exhibition. The theme of this year’s event is “Foreigners Everywhere”. The pope praised the works of artists such as Corita Kent, Frida Kahlo, and Louise Bourgeois for their important messages. Kent’s art promoting tolerance and peace is on display at the prison’s staff cafeteria.
During his visit, the pope emphasized the importance of artists in creating a world where everyone is accepted. He urged artists to imagine cities where no one is considered a stranger, promoting unity and brotherhood. The exhibition at the Giudecca prison, curated by Chiara Parisi and Bruno Racine, features works created in collaboration with inmates, including poems fired in lava rock and paintings of family photographs.
In addition to showcasing the artistic talents of inmates, the exhibition also addresses the issue of climate change affecting Venice. The pope expressed concern for the city’s future, emphasizing the need to protect its natural environment. The Holy See’s participation in the Venice Biennale dates back to 2013, with previous pavilions inspired by biblical narratives and artists representing the Vatican.
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Naz Baydar graduated from Middle East Technical University with a degree in Product Design. She furthered her education by completing a master’s degree in Art Direction at Elisava in Barcelona. Her work blends art direction, multimedia narratives, and design to craft innovative and transformative experiences. Naz is passionate about creating visual stories that evoke strong emotions and deliver meaningful impact. In addition to her work, she has a deep interest in philosophy and literature, which continuously inspire and enrich her creative process.