In celebration of the fifth anniversary of Pope Francis’ historic encyclical, Laudato si’, and to mark Laudato si’ Week from 16 to 24 May, Ecojesuit and partners have launched, Drawing Laudato si’, an online art challenge that reflects the message of the encyclical on care for our common home.
Drawing Laudato si’ is part of Sketching4Change, an annual month-long art challenge started in October 2019 at the time of the Amazon Synod to encourage people to stop and reflect on issues that affect our environment and how our lifestyles affect the Amazon. The organisers believe that art has the power to provide not only comfort and anxiety in a time of great worry and confusion but also the spark to advocate hope and action.
Throughout May, participants are encouraged to post photos of their artworks based on daily word prompts taken from passages of the encyclical. There are 31 word prompts representing each day of the month. Sketches, paintings, sculptures, photos, and poetry are all welcome. Anybody can participate by posting their artworks on Facebook and/or Instagram using the hashtags #Sketching4Change and #DrawingLaudatoSi.
While the sharing and interaction are done virtually, Ecojesuit and their partners hope this online social movement will have an offline impact, and translate into effective actions in caring for creation and one another.
Here are some of the artworks participants have sent in:
