Storytelling

When I photograph, I always seek a connection with my subjects. My model was a young girl with an incredibly expressive face and a still-developing body, almost an adolescent. In her, I saw my younger self. This allowed me to connect with her, to ask her to tell stories, to relive events, almost as if she were my alter ego. This approach has been the guiding thread for many of my photographic narratives.

“The Madonna of the Sea” by Milena Barberis

There's a piece in my artistic journey that holds deep meaning and a truly unique story: "The Madonna of the Sea."

I want to tell you about the genesis of "The Madonna of the Sea."

It was 2013, a year marked by a tragedy that deeply affected me: the shipwreck of a boat in Lampedusa. Over four hundred people lost their lives in that abyss. The pain I felt was immense, a crushing weight at the thought of those mothers who had lost their children. In that moment, my thoughts immediately turned to the Madonna, the universal Mother, the one who welcomes and protects us all. This is how the idea for "The Madonna of the Sea" was born, a work in which She holds her children in her arms, a symbol of hope and consolation.

After exhibiting it in a few performances, "The Madonna of the Sea" returned to my studio. Every time my gaze fell upon it, I felt that its place wasn't there, but in a sacred location, where its message could resonate with greater force.

Then, in 2024, during an exhibition by my mentors, the Poiriers, something unexpected happened. I met someone I already knew, accompanied by a man. During the conversation, this man, intrigued, visited my website and saw the artwork. He was impressed and complimented me greatly, but he didn't mention his affiliation with the Vatican at that moment. We exchanged emails and said goodbye.

After several days, I received an email that took my breath away. It was from that man, and the news was incredible: the Holy Father, Pope Francis, had seen the artwork and wished to have it in the Vatican! You can only imagine the wave of emotion that overwhelmed me at that moment! I felt lifted off the ground for a few days, as if the immense joy had given me wings. Knowing that my artwork would go to the Vatican was an indescribable emotion, a true recognition for the message I wanted to convey.