Vatican Announces Global Art Triennial 'Exercises in Empathy' in Response to Pope's Encyclical on AI
The Vatican has unveiled an international art triennial named 'Exercises in Empathy,' which focuses on pressing matters such as artificial intelligence. This initiative draws inspiration from Pope Leo XIV's encyclical, 'Magnifica Humanitas,' released in May, which advocates for the responsible use of technology and points out the limitations of AI. Notre Dame Law School's Paolo Carozza described the encyclical as 'profound and prophetic.' Kicking off in August, the triennial will take place across seven nations, including the U.S., featuring over 100 artists. Exhibitions will run for two to three months, culminating in Venice in 2027. The inaugural event is set for August 27 in Rio de Janeiro with Anna Maria Maiolino, while Lisbon will host the largest exhibition, featuring William Eggleston. Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça highlighted the significance of human empathy.
Key facts
- The Vatican announced a new global art triennial titled 'Exercises in Empathy'.
- The triennial references Pope Leo XIV's encyclical 'Magnifica Humanitas: On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence'.
- The encyclical was delivered in May and addresses the moral and artistic limitations of AI.
- The triennial will begin in August and span seven countries, including the United States.
- Over 100 artists will participate, with exhibitions at Catholic universities in Rio de Janeiro, Bogotá, Boston, Lisbon, Luanda, Milan, and Santiago.
- A finale will be held in Venice, Italy, in 2027.
- The first exhibition opens in Rio de Janeiro on August 27, featuring Anna Maria Maiolino.
- Corita Kent, whose work will be shown at Boston College, created the largest copyrighted artwork in the world.
- Chief curator Nuno Crespo and Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça provided statements about the triennial.
Entities
Artists
- Anna Maria Maiolino
- Korakrit Arunanondchai
- Josefina Guilisasti
- William Eggleston
- Taysir Batniji
- Martha Rosler
- Corita Kent
- Bárbara Wagner
- Benjamin de Burca
- Lisa Elmaleh
- Manthia Diawara
Institutions
- Vatican Museums
- Catholic Church
- Notre Dame Law School
- Associated Press
- Art Basel
- Moderna Museet
- Corita Art Center
- Boston College
- Immaculate Heart of Mary
Locations
- Vatican City
- United States
- Rio de Janeiro
- Brazil
- Bogotá
- Colombia
- Boston
- Lisbon
- Portugal
- Luanda
- Angola
- Milan
- Italy
- Santiago
- Chile
- Venice