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Italian artist reimagines Madonna paintings to expose Gaza’s pain

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In short

The installation named "Holy Mothers of Gaza" was created by Italian artist Eduardo Castaldo and installed within Naples' Pappacoda Chapel. Castaldo modified traditional Madonna paintings by peeling back the exterior painted layer of the artwork. This peeling effect reveals an authentic photograph showing scenes from Gaza positioned directly beneath the surface. The embedded visual was documented by Palestinian photojournalist Omar El Qattaa.

Key points

  • Traditional religious artwork was altered by Eduardo Castaldo to highlight ongoing pain i…: Traditional religious artwork was altered by Eduardo Castaldo to highlight ongoing pain in Gaza.
  • The installation relies on layered visual art that exposes modern photojournalism underne…: The installation relies on layered visual art that exposes modern photojournalism underneath historical imagery.
  • Photojournalist Omar El Qattaa provided the primary photographic documentation featured i…: Photojournalist Omar El Qattaa provided the primary photographic documentation featured inside the Naples exhibition.

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Italian artist reimagines Madonna paintings to expose Gaza’s pain

Italian artist Eduardo Castaldo has unveiled an artwork titled ‘Holy Mothers of Gaza’ inside Naples’ Pappacoda Chapel. By peeling back the painting’s outer layer, the work reveals an actual photograph from Gaza, captured by Palestinian photojournalist Omar El Qattaa.

Published On 15 Nov 2026

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