Cattelan's L.O.V.E. Sculpture outside Milan Stock Exchange

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A giant middle 'Finger' stands in front of the Milan Stock Exchange. It is an expression of FXXX YXX to the bankers and CEOs, reflecting the grievance and annoyance from the 'people' who have been 'butchered' by the entrepreneurs dominating the Italian stock market for generations.  They win, profit from the losing public.  The government just keeps their eyes blind.


The anger was expressed by Maurizio Cattelan, famous for work of controversy.  He created this 36 foot marble middle finger in 2010, with a title L.O.V.E.  It stands for Liberta, Odio, Vendetta, Eternita (Freedom, Hate, Vengeance, Eternity). The artist did not comment the 'finger' but most people assumed it referred to the economic crisis that affected Europe, and Italy in particular.


The statue was supposed to stay at the square for a short time.  The inauguration sparked debate and controversy. The upper ones protested against it.  But the public thought that it represented their anger towards the 'upper', eating into the only wealth of the 'poor'.  18,000 people signed a petition to keep the statue at Piazza Affari.  I smiled.  At least, artists in the west can do that.  It won't happen in China or Hong Kong.  It will be demolished!  It won't last!








Location: Piazza degli Affari, 20123 Milano, Italy

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