Il Chierichetto 

Agim Sulaj’s painting depicts a young altar boy absorbed in what looks like a jewellery box. The composition invites us to consider ideas of innocence and corruption in the context of institutional religion. Sulaj is an Albanian artist whose work often features social commentary. Here, the setting is deliberately austere, and the boy's attire signifies his role within the church. The presence of the censer and the confessional box immediately tie the image to the Catholic Church. The boy’s diverted attention introduces a sense of unease. Is this a critique of the Church's moral failings? Or perhaps a comment on lost innocence? To understand more fully the cultural meaning of the artwork, it is important to research the institution of the church and the social role it plays. By investigating these contexts, we can come to a richer understanding of the artwork's intent and significance.