Some fifty young people answered an invitation sent out by the Teresian Association in Rome, Italy, to take part in an art competition-exhibition. They were to freely express their experiences of the pandemic through art.
“I am happy and enthusiastic to see how the young people have been able to express their inner feelings about the COVID 19 period”. This is just one of the observations that were written in a comments notebook that was at the disposal of those who visited the exhibition-competition that was held at the TA headquarters in Rome, Via Cornelio Celso 1, from 21 to 23 October 2021.
The aim of this initiative was to give young people a voice. They were offered an opportunity to express freely and creatively what they experienced during the most difficult moments of the pandemic. There were many responses, a clear sign that the younger generations need spaces to recount their experiences. Around fifty “artistic productions” were received, including poems, drawings, comics, photographs, videos and related commentaries.
These young people came from private schools, public schools, TA projects in Italy, the TA student residence in Rome, parishes, etc. They had either seen the poster or they were invited by TA members whom they knew.
Journey
The materials were arranged in a way that represented a journey. Visitors could see the effects of the pandemic through the eyes of the “young artists”. It was an interesting path along which the lights and shadows of the human heart shone through.
The most exciting moment came on the afternoon of 23 October when the young people who participated in the exhibition and their families came out in force. Proud parents saw that their children were happy with their contribution and they took photographs to capture this memory of the youngsters with their little “works of art”. This created a serene and joyful atmosphere.
The programme of the evening included a presentation of the Teresian Association; an organised visit around the house, Villa Ximenes, an Art Nouveau style house built by the sculptor Ettore Ximenes in 1902; a small snack in the garden to chat a little and get to know each other; a visit to the exhibition and the presentation of prizes.
The event was certainly the result of group work. We thank the “Walking with Youth” team for launching this initiative, all the TA members who made it possible and the EDIW group who provided a lot of help, especially in welcoming the young people on the final day.
Elia Fleta and Mara Damiano, Rome.
