Call it a great work of artist.
A giant, veiny penis statue erected in a town square in Italy has outraged the online public, who have deemed the colorful manhood monument “disgusting” and a “piece of rubbish”.
The 39-foot-tall leaning tower of a penis in the Piazza Municipio in Naples, Italy, was recently renamed “Tu si’ na cosa grande'” (“You are a big thing”), Jam Press reports.
Stunned tourists gathered to photograph the artwork which is not protected, which was inaugurated today in a ceremony attended by Naples Mayor Gaetano Manfredi.
The rainbow-colored knob-elisque was the brainchild of Gaetano Pesce, who died six months ago in New York City at the age of 83.
Pace devised the “big thing” as an interpretation of the iconic Pulcinella character, which originated in commedia dell’arte – a popular form of Italian Improvisational comedy based on stock characters – In the 17th century. The icon, which was a fixture in Neapolitan puppet shows, has since become a symbol of Naples.
Along with the huge member stand two huge hearts pierced by Cupid’s arrows, which can be illuminated from within.
Pace created the installation “to express his gratitude for these environments that bring great energy to both his creative work and the people he loves.” per post On the late artist’s Instagram page.
However, gawkers on social media did not share their excitement over the penis piece, which notably replaced Michelangelo Pistoletto’s “Venere degli Stracchi” installation after it was destroyed in a fire.
One critic said, “How the Neapolitans can afford such a piece of C-P is truly a mystery,” while another wrote, “The name of the artwork is very appropriate as it resembles a giant dildo.”
“This is disgusting, it has nothing to do with art, it’s my personal opinion,” criticized a third.
However, current mayor Gaetano Manfredi defended the artwork.
“Initially when I saw it I wondered what others thought too,” the politician argued. Per local media. “But the idea of the work is a stylistic representation of the relationship between Pulcinella and the hearts of Neapolitans.”
Manfredi claimed that the fact that Phallus “is being discussed means that the work has achieved its goal,” adding that he believed Pace was “among the greatest artists in the world Was one.”
However, one may need to call a doctor – as the phallus will reportedly stay awake Till 19th December.
