Italian artist tears paintings of Virgin Mary to reveal images of Palestinian mothers in Gaza

Italian painter Eduardo Castaldo has created a powerful installation in Naples, tearing apart depictions of the Virgin Mary to reveal photographs of Palestinian mothers and their children in Gaza. This work is part of his Holy Mothers of Gaza series, which uses Christian imagery to highlight the hardship faced by Palestinian women and children. Castaldo displayed the latest piece at the Pappacoda Chapel, located within the Basilica of San Giovanni Maggiore, before an audience including students, teachers, and locals.

Rather than eliminating the religious image entirely, Castaldo strategically tears sections of the artwork, merging the Virgin Mary painting with a photograph taken by Palestinian photojournalist Omar El Qattaa. The photograph, documenting the human impact of the war, is then displayed beneath the religious artwork, creating a poignant contrast between the two images. This juxtaposition emphasizes the shared themes of maternal love and the struggle to protect one's children.

Following the unveiling, Castaldo presented at the nearby Basilica of San Giovanni Maggiore alongside Italian art historian Tomaso Montanari. The event was part of Vedi Napoli Sacra e Misteriosa e Poi Torni, a cultural program organized by the City of Naples and the Archdiocese of Naples, which combines art, spirituality, and discussions about peace.

Castaldo's project extends beyond Naples, featuring photographs taken by Palestinian photojournalists superimposed onto paintings of the Virgin Mary and baby Jesus. These artworks are displayed in traditional religious shrines known as edicole votive, which are common throughout Naples' streets and neighborhoods. Notable works in the series include a painting of the Virgin Mary combined with a photograph of a Palestinian mother holding her deceased child.

The installation draws on Castaldo's own experience as a photojournalist in the Middle East, covering conflicts in Jerusalem and Cairo for international publications. In 2012, he received a World Press Photo award for his reporting in Egypt. However, in 2014, Castaldo decided to distance himself from his Middle Eastern photojournalism, expressing concerns about participating in a narrative he disagreed with.

He eventually began creating artworks that give voice to Palestinian photographers, transforming their images into a form of art activism.