Depictions of the birth of Jesus are a familiar feature for Christmas celebrants around the world, but the traditional interpretation is set aside as 132 artists give the scene a new look. The materials used in this year's exhibition at the Vatican range from wool and silk to coconut and banana fiber.
In one of the displays, old dark wooden tennis rackets surround three deformed tennis rackets that clearly allude to Joseph, Mary and the baby Jesus. Another artist has also worked in the spirit of recycling - the nativity scene is hidden in a tin can for cooking oil, the outside of which is painted in a classic winter landscape at dusk.
A third artist has brought everyday life into the world of the nativity scene and used the front of a regular bus from Rome to frame the scene.
The exhibition is taking place for the eighth consecutive year in the Vatican and this year coincides with the Catholic Jubilee Year, which is celebrated every 25 years.
The artists come from 23 countries around the world, including several European countries, Japan, Indonesia, Peru and Eritrea.
