Jesus is My Patron: The Vatican Takes a Leap of Faith Into Modern Art

MACLEAN'S
By Katie Engelhart

The Milan art collective Studio Azzurro's interactive video “creation”.

ITALY---The Vatican was once the world’s most awesome patron of contemporary artists. But two centuries ago, the Church turned away from modernism, retreating to the safer grounds of Michelangelo and Botticelli. Now things look ripe for change. Last month, the Vatican unveiled its first-ever contemporary art pavilion at the Venice Art Biennale. Three modern artists were commissioned to design works around a spiritual theme; their designs were not approved by Church officials, and the artists did not have to be Christian. (One was raised Catholic.) Biennale president Paolo Baratta dubbed the exhibit (which cost some $1 million to mount) “an act of courage.” [link]