ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Daniele Galliano on Eros, Censorship, and the Power of Controversy

artist · 2026-04-27

Daniele Galliano, a self-taught artist from Pinerolo born in 1961, made his first appearance in 1992 at the Unione Culturale Franco Antonicelli in Turin, thanks to a recommendation from Francesco Poli. His work, characterized by a photorealistic approach, delves into themes of sexuality through the lens of amateur photography and cinematic imagery, frequently of a pornographic nature. In an interview with Artribune, he reflects on his 1993 blue polyptych, part of "Vietato ai lettori," curated by Giacinto Di Pietrantonio, which illustrates sexual scenes from a low-quality adult film. Although he faced criticism, particularly from a feminist-Marxist in Flash Art in 1994, his art sales thrived. Censorship arose in Florence when a police officer removed the polyptych from a show. Galliano believes that censorship ultimately enhances art and stands against political correctness. The interview was conducted by Carolina Palumbo.

Key facts

  • Daniele Galliano is a self-taught painter born in Pinerolo in 1961.
  • He debuted in 1992 with a solo show at Unione Culturale Franco Antonicelli in Turin, recommended by Francesco Poli.
  • His style is photorealistic, using amateur photography and cinematic frames, including pornographic ones.
  • His 1993 untitled blue polyptych from 'Vietato ai lettori' (curated by Giacinto Di Pietrantonio) features twenty small canvases of body parts during sex.
  • Galliano cites Caballero, Le Ore, and porn films as inspirations.
  • In 1994, a feminist-Marxist critic in Flash Art attacked his erotic works, boosting sales at Galleria Cannaviello in Milan.
  • A female assistant of a noted artist praised his depiction of women.
  • The only censorship he experienced was in Florence, when a police officer removed the polyptych from a street-visible exhibition organized by Francesca Sorace.

Entities

Artists

  • Daniele Galliano
  • Francesco Poli
  • Giacinto Di Pietrantonio
  • Emilio Tadini
  • Carolina Palumbo

Institutions

  • Unione Culturale Franco Antonicelli
  • Galleria Cannaviello
  • Flash Art
  • Artribune
  • Luisa via Roma

Locations

  • Pinerolo
  • Italy
  • Turin
  • Milan
  • Florence

Sources