Identity and semiotics have held hands as far back in history as we know. Though they are responsive to one another, on occasions they are breakable and can be difficult to recover.
John Paul II’s second visit to Venezuela was in February 1996. His first stop after landing was scheduled to be the Reten Judicial de Los Flores de Catia. The visit was canceled 15 minutes before schedule due to security. Nevertheless, John Paul II requested an “informal” stop in his car on the motorway just in front of the jail façade. The ca.2800 inmates where overwhelmed.
This Papal visit coincided with Museo Jacobo Borges’ curatorial and documentation work for the exhibition Caballo de Troya. Mariavelia Savino and I imparted a combustion balloon course to a group of inmates. The short programme goal was to fly the national flag balloons to salute the Pope on his visit. Even though the visit was cancelled we followed through with the balloon launch, weather and security against all odds. The coincidences were beautiful. The Pope requested to stop, the rain resided for 15 minutes letting the sun shine through and the inmates clapped and chanted from the jail’s windows to the sight of their national identity balloons and their symbol of faith as a spectator.
Exhibition: Caballo de Troya
Exhibition dates: April-June 1997
Research and development: 1994-1997
Bubu Alvarez 