One of the most famous sculptures by Italian artist Michelangelo Pistoletto, titled ‘Venus of the Rags’, was tragically destroyed in a suspected arson attack in Naples. The city’s mayor, Gaetano Manfredi, confirmed the incident, expressing his shock and describing it as an act of great violence.
The sculpture, which was displayed in an outdoor public area near the town hall, caught fire in the early hours of Wednesday. The local authorities reviewed closed-circuit camera footage and subsequently arrested a 32-year-old homeless man on suspicion of arson and destruction of artistic works.
‘Venus of the Rags’ features a sculpture of Venus, the Roman goddess of love, beauty, and fertility, standing next to a large pile of brightly-colored clothes. It is considered an esteemed artwork by Pistoletto, who intended it to represent the harmony between beauty and consumerism. The 90-year-old artist lamented the destruction, stating that the same spirits responsible for war are the ones who set the sculpture on fire.
The incident has sparked outrage and sadness among the art community and the local population. Piercamillo Falasca, a politician based in Naples, took to social media to express his thoughts, condemning the act as an evil manifestation of incivility that must be eliminated.
The sculpture, created by Pistoletto in 1967, has various versions displayed in museums and galleries around the world. The latest iteration of the artwork was unveiled in Naples’ Piazza del Municipio just two weeks ago. Pistoletto is a prominent figure in Italy’s Arte Povera movement, known for his contribution to the art world in cities such as New York, London, and Paris.
Notably, this incident follows the recent controversy involving a British tourist who faced potential imprisonment after carving his and his girlfriend’s names into a 2,000-year-old wall of the Colosseum in Rome. These acts of vandalism and destruction highlight the importance of preserving and respecting cultural heritage.
In response to the devastating loss of ‘Venus of the Rags’, Mayor Manfredi has vowed to rebuild the artwork through a crowd-funding effort. The local community, art enthusiasts, and supporters of Pistoletto’s work have expressed their willingness to contribute to the restoration project.
The destruction of this iconic sculpture serves as a painful reminder of the vulnerability of public artworks and the need to protect and safeguard artistic heritage. Pistoletto’s ‘Venus of the Rags’ had become a significant symbol within the city of Naples, attracting locals and tourists alike. Its absence will be deeply felt, but the resolve to rebuild it reaffirms the power of art and the resilience of the artistic community.
Source link
