Milano may be Italy’s no-nonsense business and banking capital, but locals still have a sense of humor. Here’s a new listing (from my upcoming Rick Steves’ Italy guidebook for 2014) about a new monument that has quickly become a fixture:
Piazza degli Affari and a towering middle finger mark the center of Milano’s financial district. The bold Fascist buildings in the neighborhood were built in the 1930s under Mussolini. Italy’s major stock exchange, the Borsa, faces the square. Stand in the center, appreciate the modern take on ancient aesthetics (you’re standing atop the city’s ancient Roman theater), and find the stern statues representing various labors and occupations, and celebrating the nobility of workers—typical whistle-while-you-work Fascist themes. Then, notice the equally bold modern statue in the center. After a 2009 contest to find the most appropriate sculpture to grace the financial district, this was the winner. Of course, Italy has its financial problems, and a similar sentiment that powers the Occupy Movement in the USA rumbles in this society as well. Here we see how “the 99 percent” feel when they stand before the symbol of corporate power in Italy. (Notice how the finger is oriented–it’s the 1 percent, and not the 99 percent, that’s flipping the bird.) The 36-foot-tall, Carrara marble digit was made by Maurizio Cattelan, the most famous—or, at least, most controversial—Italian sculptor of our age. L.O.V.E., as the statue is entitled, was temporary at first. But locals liked it, and, by popular demand, it’s now permanent.
I don’t suppose the Borsa faces the Vatican does it? If not they may want to orientate that statue with St. Peter’s after the heat that Pope Francis has been applying to international banking in his homilies of late.
What the??????
L.O.V.E. a fitting title ~ so true. Its so good that people are waking up and realizing that the 1% exists, and this is fitting. I hope you picked me up a mini replica in the gift shop ;) I will send you my addy :)
I would define politics as: the ongoing discussion about the degree and means by which the masses with be subjugated. It is the system by which laws are established for the purpose of that subjugation. Colonialism anyone?
P.S.
Rick,
I love your work and Im reading Travel as a Political Act right now (just got it today!) Its amazing to hear someone else express many of the ideas and insights about the world that I have come to. If you are looking for a good woman :) Im a gorgeous 44 yr old jewelry artist who is not materialistic and would love to travel :)
Now that is pure class.
Heather how is it that one who makes their living in the jewelry world is not materialistic? You just feed the rest of us who are ,,,?
Greetings folks,
What a unique statue. If it wasn’t for Rick and his team we wouldn’t know about this and other interesting sights.
To Heather: Sorry, but Rick is not available.
Not your ordinary everyday joe statue. I like it!