Pope John Paul II caricature
'Abbà Pater' (Latin for 'Good Father') was a classical music album released in March 1999 by Pope John Paul II to commemorate both the approaching Jubilee (2000) and the 70th anniversary of Vatican Radio. 'Abbà Pater' was released on CD, minidisc and cassette tape.
The songs were sung by the Pope himself and he was accompanied by several choirs. The texts were mainly borrowed from the Bible and the Catholic liturgy.
The Vatican had released 'Abbà Pater', a CD with the singing Pope!!! Was this his own dream?
Or an ultimate attempt to revive young people's enthusiasm for the Catholic Church with modern toys and technology?
First sketch of the Pope ...
... and the first rough draft of a suitable decor ...
Finally the finished contour drawing ...
Then a color test (with everyday crayons) on a reduced photocopy ...
Only then did I start painting with gouache on sturdy Steinbach paper
(pre-wetted and taped to a wooden board, against bulging and shrinking when drying).
And finally published in the children's magazine 'Klap'.