Cardinal Pell launches JESUSWALKS

Launched by Cardinal Pell, the exhibition will feature 33 statues of Jesus in several locations across Sydney throughout the week of World Youth Day 2008. 

"We still believe that Jesus has got plenty to say to Australia today and a lot to say to young Australia today" explained Cardinal Pell in launching JESUSWALKS.

Each of the works engage with the idea of “faith” in the contemporary cultural context, the artists incorporating their ideas onto a fibreglass sculpture of the iconic image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (depicted clothed, with heart exposed and arms outstretched in welcome). 

“The exhibition includes artists from Catholic and non Catholic background, Christians and non-Christians of a variety of inclinations, and cultural heritages,” said Helena McCarthy, JESUSWALKS Director & Curator at the launch.

The exhibition will also showcase some of Australia’s finest artistic newcomers – including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.

“JESUSWALKS offers the commissioned artists a channel for their creative expression as well as a unique opportunity to interact with an audience of up to 300,000 young people.  The exhibition also encourages an interactive dialogue between diverse audiences,” continued Ms McCarthy.

In explaining his work, Sydney based artist Chris Wolter, 34, said he was "trying to bring the tradition into the contemporary context. I've tried to create something that is both devotional but utilises the aesthetic of the city."

JESUSWALKS presents a startling array of diverse practices including painting, printmaking, sculpture, graphics, fibre, object design, textiles, digital media and graffiti.

At the conclusion of the exhibition all the works will be sold and 100% of the profits will go towards Fr Chris Riley's Youth off the Streets.

For more information on the exhibition visit www.jesuswalksart.com