How’s This for Poignant Social Commentary?
Considering how feeble most public art is, this rather arresting piece by Italian sculptor Maurizio Cattelan deserves some serious props, especially in light of its location -- within spitting distance of the Milan stock exchange.
Considering how feeble most public art is, this rather arresting piece by Italian sculptor Maurizio Cattelan deserves some serious props, especially in light of its location — within spitting distance of the Milan stock exchange. Cattelan himself may deny any significant link between the sculpture, officially dubbed L.O.V.E., and its current placement, but the meaning of an artwork isn’t solely determined by the artist, now is it? –KA
Wait, before you go…BBC:
Cattelan’s latest creation is a huge hand, beautifully sculpted from Carrara marble — the same material used by Michelangelo and Bernini.
But its middle finger is extended skywards in a very un-Renaissance-like gesture of contempt. That — given its position here just a stone’s throw from the stock exchange — has invited discussion of a possible anti-capitalist message, though the artist himself has denied any such intention.
Canvassing opinion among visitors to Milan, many feel the sculpture deserves a permanent place in the city that’s also home to Leonardo Da Vinci’s The Last Supper.
If you're reading this, you probably already know that non-profit, independent journalism is under threat worldwide. Independent news sites are overshadowed by larger heavily funded mainstream media that inundate us with hype and noise that barely scratch the surface. We believe that our readers deserve to know the full story. Truthdig writers bravely dig beneath the headlines to give you thought-provoking, investigative reporting and analysis that tells you what’s really happening and who’s rolling up their sleeves to do something about it.
Like you, we believe a well-informed public that doesn’t have blind faith in the status quo can help change the world. Your contribution of as little as $5 monthly or $35 annually will make you a groundbreaking member and lays the foundation of our work.
Support Truthdig
Arts & Culture
Visual investigations at the intersection of climate change and global migration.
Though diversity is a driving ethos of this year's event in Los Angeles, the art world is still deeply invested in sidelining people of color.
Artists who tell the truth are the mortal enemies of despots, who seek to distort the past, the present and the future.
Artists, activists and museum staff launched protests after learning that chemicals made by Warren Kanders’ company were used on migrants crossing the U.S.-Mexico border.
The tangible effects of political concerns, ranging from mass displacement to climate change, are unavoidable at the 58th Venice Biennale.
"Then They Came For Me," a traveling exhibit, reminds viewers how easily history can repeat itself.
There are currently no responses to this article.
Be the first to respond.