'Homeless Jesus' sculpture presented to Pope Francis
Vatican City, 21 Nov 2013: A striking sculpture of Jesus, depicted as a homeless man
sleeping on a park bench, was presented to Pope Francis following the general audience
in St Peter’s Square on Wednesday. The unusual art work was brought over from Canada
by sculptor Timothy Schmalz who has been exploring the contemporary face of Christian
art for over two decades. The large bronze sculpture was inspired by an encounter
the artist had with a homeless person on the streets of Toronto several years ago,
an experience that brought new insight into the Gospel passage about caring for the
hungry, the thirsty, the naked and the strangers in our midst. Just before the
audience, Timothy Schmalz spoke to Vatican Radio’s Philippa Hitchen about his work,
his faith and his gift for the Pope….
"...what the Gospels and what Christianity
provides is an endless well of creative possibilities.....what I try to do is come
up with new perspectives on these eternal truths...."
I went to Toronto...and
saw people, so many of them, lying on the street...I know I used to be used to that
but being away and coming back, it was a shock....
I created a figure, almost
completely wrapped in a sleeping bag, or a thick, old, rough blanket, and the only
thing that's visible is his feet with the wounds from being on the Cross...
My
hope is to have in most of the big cities this visual message....a sculpture is almost
like a 24/7 preacher, if it's outside....so that people will have more concern about
the homeless.."Source: VR Eng