Shorewood Artist Talks about Pope Portrait on CNN

Shorewood artist Niki Johnson appeared on a CNN "Faces of Faith" segment discussing her .

Johnson talked about the message behind her piece and the positive and negative feedback she has received from around the globe. 

"I believe our world leaders are responsible to support public health and I'm hoping, through making this piece, to engage further conversation about the importance of preventing HIV/AIDS," she told CNN. 

Johnson has received a $20,000 bid on the artwork from Milwaukee philanthropist and AIDS activist Joseph Pabst, according to a new website about artwork coined "Eggs Benedict." She told CNN she wil donate a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the piece to HIV and AIDS research and advocacy.

"Eggs Benedict" was publicly unveiled for the first time at the Portrait Society Gallery on April 11, and is on display through May. It will also be on display through a gallery night on Thursday and Friday from 6 to 9 p.m., according to the gallery's website. 

Johnson was inspired to conceive the piece after hearing the former pontiff's remarks in 2009 during a trip to Africa, suggesting that the use of condoms would not curtail the AIDS epidemic, but would actually increase its prevalence. The piece is a commentary on sexuality and sex health.