Milan finally accepted the donation of “L.O.V.E.” by Maurizio Cattelan. The 36-foot marble sculpture is placed outside the stock exchange in Italy’s financial capital. The giant marble middle finger is for sure a controversial symbol greeting Piazza Affari and its grandest building, the 1932 Palazzo Mezzanotte, the stock exchange headquarters, which is a hallmark of Fascist architecture.
The artist decided to donate the sculpture to the city last year on the condition that it grace Piazza Affari, and a few days ago refined the change of ownership. “L.O.V.E.” has become permanent installation for the next forty years.
Cattelan described the sculpture “L.O.V.E.” as an anti-fascist statement. He transformed Italy’s Fascist hand salute from the 1930s by cutting off the fingers and mutilating the hand. The artist stated he was criticizing the totalitarianism that ravaged Europe in the last century. As it’s placed, it points away from the stock exchange, and not at it.
Yesterday night Piazza Affari was transformed into a genuine Ballroom with a real orchestra and amatorial dancers. The party was organized to celebrate the official donation and it was open to the entire city of Milan with free admission. Councillor Stefano Boeri and Maurizio Cattelan were present at the event and people were dancing until midnight.