From the World Youth Day 2008 website:

Organisers of World Youth Day 2008 (WYD08) are excited to be working with Aboriginal artist Richard Campbell, using a selection of his artwork on official WYD08 merchandise.

Originally from the Gumbaingirr/Dhungutti people, Richard Campbell has created a series of indigenous artworks that reinterpret major Catholic themes and stories. Richard is one of the recent finalists in the prestigious Blake Prize.

Richard’s Fourteen Stations of the Cross, The Madonna, The Crucifixion and The Resurrection will be used on merchandise for the expected 225,000 registered pilgrims for WYD08.

WYD08 will be the largest event Australia has hosted with up to 125,000 overseas pilgrims expected. The international spotlight will be on Sydney for the week of events, held 15 – 20 July 2008, which also marks the first visit from His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI to Australia.

Richard’s art will be one of the ways that indigenous themes will be represented through the WYD08 week. His actual artworks will also be on display in a city venue during the week.

Taken away from his family at the age of nine, Richard suffered a tough upbringing, constantly moving from one boys’ home to the next.