Somewhere in an artist’s studio in Luxembourg, the memory of Pope Francis lives on – thanks to the work of Ukrainian sculptor Anatoliy Valiev, who has been living as a refugee in the Grand Duchy since 2023.
Valiev, an associate professor from the Academy of Arts in Kyiv, has exhibited his work worldwide, from Australia to Ukraine, Canada to Spain. In 2023, he managed to flee the war in Kyiv and find refuge at the Artrooms studio in Luxembourg City. This move enabled him to hold his first exhibition in the country, hosted at the contemporary art gallery Kamellebuttek in Esch-sur-Alzette.
Before Pope Francis’ visit to Luxembourg last year, Valiev already had experience creating papal portraits. He recalled having sculpted a likeness of Pope Benedict XVI, which now stands at the Vatican, having been presented as a gift from then-Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko.
When Valiev read an article announcing the upcoming visit of Pope Francis to Luxembourg, he was inspired to create a sculpture to commemorate the historic occasion. He set about the task, and after two months of careful modelling, he completed a plaster cast just in time for the Pope’s arrival. The artwork attracted considerable attention during the major event, which was particularly significant for Catholics in the Greater Region.
Reflecting on the experience, Valiev said he believed the sculpture captured the positive emotions felt by many Luxembourgers upon the Pope’s visit, noting how he had tried to convey the Pope’s kindness and attentiveness to all in the piece. He hoped it would serve as a cherished memory for the local community.
Looking ahead, Valiev expressed a wish to see his sculpture displayed at the National Museum of Archaeology, History and Art in Luxembourg – or perhaps even at the Vatican itself. And visitors may soon see more of his work elsewhere in the country, possibly near Findel Airport.
