Thoughts of the day
Outside the Milan stock exchange building, there is an unlikely giant sculpture, unbeknown to most who are not familiar with the city. The sculpture stands in the middle of Piazza degli Affari, outside the fascist-styled Palazzo Mezzanotte.
The work, created by playful Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan, is named L.O.V.E., and it is a huge hand with its middle finger raised. L.O.V.E. stands for liberta, odio, vendetta, and eternita, translated to ‘freedom, hate, revenge, and eternity.’
There is a catch though - the rest of the fingers have been purposely cut off. Had they still been there, the hand would have been forming the fascist salute. Often, art is about taking something ugly from the past, and transforming it into an entirely new concept, even more so if the work is strategically displayed.
Driving past it yesterday, someone asked, “Why did they leave it there?”
Perhaps we need reminders of the mistakes of the past to fare better in the future. Perhaps we need reminders of the presence of our enemies to perform. Perhaps it was just too impressive to hide.
Or perhaps it could just mean that love can be surprising, it can be tough, but looking between the lines, it can also just be a lot of fun.
“Officially, its name is L.O.V.E. – so it stands for love – but everyone can read between the lines and take away the message they see for themselves.”
– Maurizio Cattelan
Thank you for reading Brain Food. If you'd like to read more, you can subscribe for free and receive it in your inbox daily.
As always, for any thoughts, comments, wishes, or other expressions of emotions, just hit reply.