ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Goliardi Senesi prank Siena with giant butt sculpture in Piazza del Campo

other · 2026-04-27

On January 4, 2021, a large papier-mâché sculpture in the shape of a butt appeared in Piazza del Campo in Siena. The work was claimed by a mysterious Italo-French artist named Olivé De Gasperi, but was later revealed to be a prank by the Goliardi Senesi, a student association known for irreverent stunts. The group posted a statement on Facebook, including a supposed message from the artist wishing Siena luck for 2021. The article contrasts this joke with the city's actual public art program, criticizing the exhibition of nine bronze sculptures by Andrea Roggi, which will remain on display until June 15, 2021, as a commercial operation lacking curatorial vision.

Key facts

  • A giant butt-shaped sculpture appeared in Piazza del Campo, Siena on January 4, 2021.
  • The sculpture was made of papier-mâché.
  • It was claimed by artist Olivé De Gasperi, but revealed as a prank by Goliardi Senesi.
  • Goliardi Senesi is a student association known for irreverent actions.
  • The group posted a statement on Facebook with a message from the artist.
  • The article criticizes the city's public art program featuring Andrea Roggi's bronze sculptures.
  • Andrea Roggi's works are on display until June 15, 2021.
  • The article describes Roggi's exhibition as a commercial operation lacking curatorial vision.

Entities

Artists

  • Olivé De Gasperi
  • Andrea Roggi
  • Salvador Dalí

Institutions

  • Goliardi Senesi
  • Artribune

Locations

  • Piazza del Campo
  • Siena
  • Italy

Sources