Brauer Museum of Art Welcomes “Homeless Jesus” Installation

Opening Reception is June 19

Valparaiso University’s Brauer Museum of Art welcomes “Homeless Jesus,” an installation by renowned Canadian sculptor Timothy P. Schmalz. An opening reception will be held June 19 at 11:15 a.m. on Chapel Drive, west of the Harre Union.

After installations in Toronto; London; Perth, Australia; and various cities throughout the United States, “Homeless Jesus” comes to Valparaiso University to spark conversation among campus and community viewers and inspire society to be more compassionate and charitable.

“The ‘Homeless Jesus’ sculpture is a wonderful addition to Valpo,” said Gregg Hertzlieb, MFA, director and curator of the Brauer Museum of Art. “It is a complex work that reminds the campus community of spirituality and moving themes that lie at the heart of the University’s mission.”

A visual representation of Matthew 25, the sculpture suggests that Christ is with the most marginalized in our society. The figure is shrouded in a blanket with its face covered, and the wounds on its feet are the only indication that it represents Jesus. The life-size sculpture allows enough room for someone else to sit on the same bench.

From Saint Jacobs, Ontario, Canada, Timothy P. Schmalz is known for creating sacred art, with the goal of developing art that has power. He was inspired to create “Homeless Jesus” in November 2011 after he saw a homeless man sleeping on a park bench in Toronto and felt that it could have been Jesus. The sculpture was first unveiled in Toronto in spring 2013 and was later blessed by Pope Francis at the Vatican.

The installation was made possible by the vision and support of Ron ’58 and Janet Reimer. Visit valpo.edu/artmuseum for more information about the Brauer Museum of Art’s exhibitions and events.