Milan street artist paints Cattelan's middle finger pink for Women's Day
Overnight, the middle finger of Maurizio Cattelan's sculpture L.O.V.E. in Piazza Affari, Milan, was painted pink by street artist Ivan Tresoldi. The unauthorized intervention, executed ahead of International Women's Day on March 8, is dedicated to feminist association NUDM – NON UNA DI MENO and social center SMS – Spazio di Mutuo Soccorso. Ivan stated he wanted to break a taboo about touching another artist's work, linking his public art to a broader discourse on women's conditions, noting that over 90% of jobs lost during the pandemic were held by women and that the crisis is still predominantly narrated by men. The paint used is water-based and removable with a pressure washer. The event raises questions about artistic boundaries and social commentary.
Key facts
- Ivan Tresoldi painted the middle finger of Cattelan's L.O.V.E. sculpture pink.
- The intervention occurred overnight before International Women's Day on March 8.
- The pink color references the symbol of feminist association NUDM – NON UNA DI MENO.
- The work is also dedicated to SMS – Spazio di Mutuo Soccorso.
- Ivan stated he wanted to break a taboo about altering another artist's work.
- He noted that over 90% of pandemic job losses affected women.
- The paint is water-based and removable with a pressure washer.
- The sculpture L.O.V.E. was created by Maurizio Cattelan and donated to Milan.
Entities
Artists
- Maurizio Cattelan
- Ivan Tresoldi
Institutions
- NUDM – NON UNA DI MENO
- SMS – Spazio di Mutuo Soccorso
- Artribune
Locations
- Milan
- Italy
- Piazza Affari
- Piazza Stuparich