Trieste Deputy Mayor Censors Marina Abramović's Barcolana Poster
In August 2018, a political controversy erupted in Trieste over a poster designed by Marina Abramović for the 50th edition of the Barcolana regatta, scheduled for October 5–14, 2018. The poster, commissioned by illycaffè, features Abramović holding a flag with the slogan "WE ARE ALL IN THE SAME BOAT" in red and white. Deputy Mayor Paolo Polidori of the Lega party demanded the poster be removed, calling it "Soviet propaganda" and threatening to withdraw €30,000 in municipal funding, permits, and security for the event. Polidori claimed the slogan alluded to immigration and criticized the government's hardline stance. The artist and organizers clarified the message was environmental, conceived before the March 2018 elections. The incident highlights tensions between art and far-right politics in Italy.
Key facts
- Marina Abramović designed the official poster for Barcolana50, a historic regatta in Trieste founded in 1969.
- The poster features the slogan 'WE ARE ALL IN THE SAME BOAT' in red and white, colors of illycaffè.
- Deputy Mayor Paolo Polidori (Lega) called the poster 'Soviet propaganda' and demanded its removal.
- Polidori threatened to cut €30,000 in municipal funding and revoke permits for the regatta.
- The poster was presented in early July 2018 by Abramović and illycaffè President Andrea Illy.
- Polidori linked the slogan to immigration, claiming it interfered with Interior Minister Matteo Salvini's policies.
- Regatta President Mitja Gialuz stated the message was ecological, conceived in early 2018 before the elections.
- Previous Barcolana posters were created by Michelangelo Pistoletto, Gillo Dorfles, and Maurizio Galimberti.
Entities
Artists
- Marina Abramović
- Michelangelo Pistoletto
- Gillo Dorfles
- Maurizio Galimberti
Institutions
- illycaffè
- Società velica di Barcola e Grignano
- Comune di Trieste
- Lega
- Fondazione One Ocean
- Artribune
Locations
- Trieste
- Italy
- Golfo di Trieste
- Venezia
- Mediterraneo