MATERIAL
WEIGHT
DIMENSION
LOCATION
“This sculpture has a strong message and was designed to disrupt people’s daily lives and make them think about human trafficking. This work not only has a religious message but also reveals a protest message for those who come by it around the city.”
Timothy Schmalz
ORIGIN & INSPIRATION
Inspired by the life of Saint Josephine Bakhita, Let the Oppressed Go Free reflects Timothy Schmalz’s commitment to creating sculptures that give visibility to the suffering and dignity of vulnerable people.
Born in Sudan in the nineteenth century and later canonized by the Catholic Church in 2000, St. Bakhita’s story is one of survival, forgiveness, and transformation.
The sculpture invites viewers to reflect on the ongoing call to defend human dignity and to recognize the strength found in those who have experienced oppression.
Church of Saint Francis, Schio, Italy
The sculpture is permanently installed in a prominent public space at ground level (without a traditional pedestal or barriers). This accessible design is highly intentional; Schmalz designed it as “protest art” to physically disrupt daily life, allowing passersby, children, and visitors to touch the bronze figures, look directly into the faces of the victims, and step into the narrative.
Church of Saint Francis, Schio, Italy
The sculpture is permanently installed in a prominent public space at ground level (without a traditional pedestal or barriers). This accessible design is highly intentional; Schmalz designed it as “protest art” to physically disrupt daily life, allowing passersby, children, and visitors to touch the bronze figures, look directly into the faces of the victims, and step into the narrative.
The sculpture was directly commissioned as a joint initiative following the global success of Angels Unawares. Cardinal Michael Czerny, S.J. (Prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development) and the Vatican requested that Schmalz dedicate his artistic vision to human trafficking—a global scourge deeply close to the heart of Pope Francis.
“I want my sculptures to speak the language of compassion and invite everyone to reflect on the dignity of each human being.”
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