The erection of an enormous ‘veiny willy’ in a city square has sparked outrage online.
The imposing structure is a whopping 39ft (12m) tall.
The phallic monument dominates Piazza Municipio in Naples, Italy.
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It is called ‘Tu Si ‘Na Cosa Grande’ – which translates as ‘You Are a Big Thing’.
It is due to be officially inaugurated at 6.45pm today (10 Oct) and will remain in the square until 19 December.
Stunned tourists and residents stopped to observe the erection and take photos.
And locals had a lot to say about the ‘willy’ dominating the Naples cityscape.
Marcus commented: “How Neapolitans can tolerate such a piece of c*ap is truly a mystery.”
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One said: “The name of the artwork is very apt considering it looks like a giant dildo.”
Another added: “It is disgusting, nothing to do with art, that’s my personal opinion.”
The piece was created by local artist Gaetano Pesce, who died six months ago in New York aged 83.
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It is a rude interpretation of the Pulcinella character who originated in the commedia dell’arte in the 17th century.
Pulcinella, also used in puppet shows, has become a symbol of Neapolitan tradition.
The monument has two red hearts being pierced by an arrow, which was Pesce’s way of paying tribute to his home city.
Students from local music schools will carry out a performance planned by Pesce before his death.
Naples mayor, Gaetano Manfredi, and regional president, Vincenzo De Luca, will attend the inauguration, as reported by What’s The Jam.
Manfredi told local media: “I think contemporary art and contemporary installations should spark debate.
“So the fact it is being discussed means the work has achieved its goal.”
The mayor called Pesce “one of the world’s greatest artists”.
He added: “This was the last work he designed, a piece that has left its mark, that has the city talking, and for us this is a positive thing.”
Pesce’s structure replaced Michelangelo Pistoletto’s ‘Venere Degli Stracci’ installation, which was destroyed by a fire started by a homeless person.
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