In January 2025 the artist Giuseppe Fata invited Davide Cristofaro to join his project for the Jubilee of Artists. At its heart is “Mother”, the Madonna of Artists: until then there had been no statue of the Madonna dedicated to those who work in the arts. More than two hundred artists from the visual arts, film, music, fashion, dance and culture signed her mantle, and Davide’s signature is among them.
The work
Giuseppe Fata is a Calabrian artist and fashion designer known for his Head Sculptures, sculptures to be worn on the head: the press has called him “the genius of art on the head”.
The Madonna is wrapped in golden bands, studded with spheres and mirror tesserae, that speak of a mother’s protection. On her head a sphere blossoms from a flower: the world and the beauty of creation. The artists’ signatures are engraved on small gilded plates set into the mantle.
16 February 2025
The unveiling took place in the Basilica of Santa Maria in Montesanto, known as the Church of Artists, on Piazza del Popolo, during Holy Mass celebrated by Mons. Antonio Staglianò, President of the Pontifical Academy of Theology and rector of the church. Since that day “Mother” has stood in the basilica’s Chapel of the Crucifix, where worshippers and visitors can see her.
Acknowledgements
“Thank you for thinking of me and for sharing this wonderful art project for the Jubilee. Your idea of creating a sculpture that brings together artists from so many different fields is truly extraordinary and full of meaning. I would be honoured to take part and to contribute in any way I can.”
