David 3D print at Dubai Expo sparks censorship debate

A 3D-printed replica of Michelangelo's David at the Italy Pavilion of Expo 2020 Dubai has ignited controversy over nudity, political correctness, and censorship. The sculpture, displayed inside the 'Teatro della Memoria' installation, appears partially covered, leading to speculation that its genitals are hidden to respect local cultural sensitivities. The Italian government's contract with the Dubai Bureau, signed in 2018, requires exhibition approval by the organizer. Critics argue the covering is either a curatorial choice referencing inaccessible memory or a concession to cancel culture. The use of 3D printing technology for reproduction raises questions about digital replication in museums and commercial merchandising. The article contrasts the censorship with high consumption of online pornography (42 billion visits to Pornhub in 2019) and recent incidents of self-censorship in public art, such as at the Capitoline Museums. It calls for a broader cultural reflection on Italy's awareness of its own cultural model.