aleXsandro Palombo's Shock Posters Against Gender Violence Appear in Milan
aleXsandro Palombo (Salento, 1973) has plastered Milan with grotesque posters depicting international female political figures—Angela Merkel, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Hillary Clinton, Michelle Obama, Brigitte Macron, Aung San Suu Kyi, and Sonia Gandhi—with photoshopped bruises and injuries from domestic violence. Each poster bears the same text listing abuses: "Just because I'm a woman. I am a victim of domestic violence – I am paid little – I have undergone genital mutilation – I don't have the right to dress as I want – I cannot decide who to marry – I have been raped… Violence against women is a global problem that affects everyone, regardless of race, class or religion." The 46-year-old artist, based in Milan and trained in fashion design, previously used celebrities like Miley Cyrus, Angelina Jolie, Kim Kardashian, Kristen Stewart, and Emma Stone for a similar campaign, as well as Disney princesses to highlight hidden violence. His series include Disabled Disney Princess, What kind of man are you?, and Breast cancer survivors.
Key facts
- aleXsandro Palombo created posters depicting bruised faces of female political leaders.
- Posters appeared on walls, bus shelters, and construction fences in Milan.
- Figures shown: Angela Merkel, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Hillary Clinton, Michelle Obama, Brigitte Macron, Aung San Suu Kyi, Sonia Gandhi.
- Each poster includes a text listing forms of gender-based violence and inequality.
- Palombo previously used celebrities like Miley Cyrus and Disney princesses for similar campaigns.
- The artist is 46 years old, originally from Salento, and now based in Milan.
- He studied fashion design before focusing on socially engaged art using pop icons.
- His other series include Disabled Disney Princess, What kind of man are you?, and Breast cancer survivors.
Entities
Artists
- aleXsandro Palombo
Locations
- Milan
- Italy
- Salento