BEFORE AND AFTER: This is what the artwork “Venus of the Rags” looked like before and after it was burned down in Italy. Photo: Reuters/AFP
A work of art by one of Italy’s greatest artists was this week set on fire in the center of Naples.
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On Wednesday afternoon, a work of art by one of Italy’s most famous living artists, Michelangelo Pistoletto, was set on fire. It writes, among others New York Times.
The seven-metre-high work of art was called “Venus of the Rags” and was unveiled in the square in front of the town hall in Naples just two weeks ago.
The plan was for it to be there until December.
A homeless man in his early 30s has been arrested. All that remained after the flames were extinguished was the massive metal frame and a pile of ashes.
– This act of violence has left us speechless, vandalism should not stop art, says Naples mayor Gaetano Manfredi to CNN.
A police investigation is underway to find out the reason and motive behind the vandalism.
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Facts about the artwork
The work of art is called “Venus of the Rags”. It is supposed to represent the Roman goddess of love, beauty and fertility, leaning against a large pile of colorful clothes. The purpose of the work is to comment on the cycle of consumption. Michelangelo Pistoletto created the artwork for the first time in 1967. He is known as a central figure within the Arte Povera movement. This Italian avant-garde movement originated in the 1960s and is often characterized by the use of simple materials.
Show moreNAPOLIS GATER Photo: Tore Kristiansen / VG
Concern for Naples’ reputation
City council member Antonio De Iesu says accordingly New York Times that great damage has been done to Naples’ reputation, and that the city’s authorities have promised to replace the work with a new version.
Tourists had braved the summer heat to go see the artwork.
– The artwork had become a selfie magnet, curator of the project, Vincenzo Trione, told the New York Times.
He adds that the artwork had put one of the city’s most symbolic and central places in a new light.
– The art was ugly
Not everyone in Naples has been equally enthusiastic about the art. Several have criticized the artwork on social media.
The artist himself, Pistoletto, has said he was horrified and surprised by the attack.
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Published: 14.07.23 at 17:39
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2023-07-14 15:39:20
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