Exhibition celebrates the 100th anniversary of St. John Paul II

An exhibition, organized by Progetto Arte Poli in collaboration with the Museum of Popes and Catholic Press Photo, honors Karol Wojtyla, St. John Paul II in the year of the centenary of his birth. The exhibition is at Arte Poli Gallery, Verona Italy from Oct. 16 to April 2, 2021, the anniversary of the death of Saint John Paul II. 

The exhibition features some unique sculptures by Master Albano Poli, of Pope Wojtyla, chosen among several made for remarkable monuments known worldwide: 

• The “Suffering John Paul II” made in life size and commissioned by Cardinal Edoardo Menichelli for the Cathedral of Ancona 
• A bronze bust made for the life size sculpture installed in the Cathedral of Havana, blessed by Pope Francis during his historical visit to Cuba. 

The photographic selection is curated by Catholic Press Photo. The photographs from the vast archive of Giancarlo Giuliani who for many years followed the entire pontificate of St. John Paul II, are shots of moving beauty. There are also images by his daughter Alessia Giuliani, who for many years has taken the place of her father by making photo shoots on the Holy Father and the Church. 

In addition to the artworks, some particular objects that belonged to the pope are also on display. These objects have been exclusively provided by the Museum of Popes, founded by Ivan Marsura whose aim is to collect, pass and above all avoid the dispersion of papal objects: an autographed photograph of St. John Paul II, an original manuscript of two papal audiences, the chasuble used during the Pontificate, the relics of blood and hair, the copy of Scorzelli’s piscatory ring and ferula and other small objects that belonged to the saint. 

St. John Paul II in the artworks by Master Albano Poli 
Master Albano Poli has created numerous works on St. John Paul II are installed in Italy and abroad: In Chile, for the III Millennium Cross (an extraordinary monument to Catholic civilization overseeing the city of Coquimbo), a bronze sculpture depicting the Holy Pope was made following the ancient technique of lost wax bronze fusion; In Poland, the mosaic of Divine Providence in Warsaw, and the series of seven mosaics for the Saint John Paul II Center in Krakow.

Also, in Italy there are numerous works that portray St. John Paul II, from the bronze statue of the Duomo in Ancona, to the bronze statue in Frosinone, to the mosaics of San Giovanni Rotondo. His portraiture skills stand out through the different techniques used, mosaic, sculpture, glass art, and his sensitivity in interpreting the needs of the client is much appreciated thanks to his deep knowledge of liturgical art in its historical evolution. 

Also, among his most important works which were made for the Basilica of Saint Paul outside the walls, of the Vatican Gardens and for Saint John Lateran Basilica where, in 2019, the new papal ambo designed and made by the artist was installed. 

Abroad, are other remarkable artworks which include the First Catholic University of Hong Kong and the Church of Xitang in China and the Church of Ibary-Ken in Japan. 

Progetto Arte Poli Il Rinascimento in opera
Founded by Maestro Albano Poli, Progetto Arte Poli is a unique studio, recognized both nationally and internationally, which has been involved in the artistic sector for over half a century, designing and creating stained glass windows, sculptures, mosaics, etc. It is inspired by the philosophy of the Renaissance workshop, operating with innovation in full respect of traditions. 

In the large 6000 square meter workshop, thanks to the experience and manual skills of qualified professionals who collaborate with Master Albano Poli, the value of a very high level of craftsmanship is combined with artistic creativity. Mosaics, frescoes, art pieces in wrought iron, stone, wood, bronze sculptures, conservative restoration, are integrated with the design and hand- making of the artistic glass windows, the core sector of the Veronese studio, confirming the strength of Progetto Arte Poli: coexistance of very different craftsmanships and combination of irreplaceable traditional artistic techniques with modern technologies. 

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