Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Sydney (Agenzia Fides) - The organisers of World Youth Day 2008 in Sydney 15 to 20 July, have announced that Australian Aboriginal Richard Campbell will soon be working with them. Several WYD products will bear some of his most significant works. A descendent of the Gumbaingirr/Dhungutti, Richard Campbell has produced a series of masterpieces which trace the history of Catholicism and illustrate its principal themes. The artist was among the winners of the famous Blake Prize. His Stations of the Cross, Our Lady, the Crucifixion and The Resurrection will be portrayed on products made available to the 225,000 registered pilgrims expected in Sydney for the WYD08.
Richard's art is only one of the channels to transmit themes connected with the Indigenous world which will characterise the entire WYD week. His works will be on show at an exhibition. Taken from his family at the age of nine, Richard suffered the hardship of rigorous education and lack of a home. “On day a Catholic priest suggested I should express in painting the relation between Aborginal spirituality and the Bible stories” Richard explains. “As I began to paint I was overcome by a wave of spirituality, which I never knew I had, and I began to remember the history of my people". Working with his sister, Louise Campbell who wrote the prayers and stories which inspire his painting, Richard hopes to share their spirituality with others. From the beginning of December Richard's works will be on sale on the World Youth Day web site. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 15/11/2007, righe 20, parole 278)
