Lorenzo Quinn's 'Give' Sculpture Installed in Palermo Sparks Debate on Public Art
The installation of Lorenzo Quinn's sculpture 'Give' at Palermo Cathedral has sparked debate regarding public art in Italy. This artwork, which depicts two large white hands cradling a small olive tree, was previously exhibited at Florence's Boboli Gardens during the summer of 2020. This project is a partnership between the Municipality of Palermo, under Mayor Leoluca Orlando, and the Archdiocese, led by Monsignor Lorefice. Critics, such as Helga Marsala from Artribune, have criticized the piece as kitsch and unsuitable for a historic location, comparing it to a Disneyland feature. Displayed until March 30, 2021, the sculpture raises questions about public art quality and commercial influence, reminiscent of discussions around Quinn's earlier works in Venice.
Key facts
- Lorenzo Quinn's sculpture 'Give' installed on steps of Palermo Cathedral.
- Work consists of two giant white hands cupping an olive tree.
- Previously exhibited at Boboli Gardens in Florence in summer 2020.
- Installation is collaboration between artist, Once srl, Comune di Palermo, and Arcidiocesi di Palermo.
- Mayor Leoluca Orlando praised the work.
- Critics call the work kitsch, rhetorical, and inappropriate for historic site.
- Sculpture is temporary, on view until March 30, 2021.
- Quinn previously installed large hand sculptures in Venice in 2017 and 2019.
Entities
Artists
- Lorenzo Quinn
- Helga Marsala
Institutions
- Artribune
- Comune di Palermo
- Arcidiocesi di Palermo
- Uffizi
- Once srl
- Fondazione Merz
- Fondazione Terzo Pilastro
Locations
- Palermo
- Italy
- Palermo Cathedral
- Corso Vittorio Emanuele
- Florence
- Boboli Gardens
- Venice
- Canal Grande
- Arsenale