Italian artist tears paintings of Virgin Mary to reveal images of Palestinian mothers in Gaza

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Italian artist Eduardo Castaldo has unveiled a new installation in Naples in which he tears away a painting depicting the Virgin Mary and baby Jesus to reveal a photograph of a…

Italian artist Eduardo Castaldo has unveiled a new installation in Naples in which he tears away a painting depicting the Virgin Mary and baby Jesus to reveal a photograph of a Palestinian mother and child in Gaza.

The striking work is part of his Holy Mothers of Gaza series, an art project that uses Christian religious imagery to draw attention to the suffering of Palestinian women and children.

Castaldo unveiled the latest artwork on Wednesday at the Pappacoda Chapel, part of the Basilica of San Giovanni Maggiore in Naples, before an audience that included students, teachers and residents.

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The photograph revealed beneath a painting of the Virgin Mary was taken by Palestinian photojournalist Omar El Qattaa, whose work has documented the human toll of the war.

Rather than removing the religious image entirely, Castaldo tears away part of the artwork, melding the images of the two mothers and their children.

The juxtaposition draws parallels between the Christian depiction of maternal love and the experiences of Palestinian mothers struggling to protect their children.

The unveiling was followed by a presentation at the nearby Basilica of San Giovanni Maggiore featuring Italian art historian Tomaso Montanari.

The event formed part of Vedi Napoli Sacra e Misteriosa e Poi Torni, a cultural programme organised by the City of Naples in collaboration with the Archdiocese of Naples, bringing together art, spirituality and discussions about peace.

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