Antonio Manfredi of the Casoria Contemporary Art Museum in Naples has burned a painting today in protest at the budget cuts that the Italian government has imposed. He plans to burn three paintings a week, saying that the museum’s artworks were ‘headed for destruction anyway because of the government’s indifference’.
The first painting burned was by Severine Bourguigon, who had agreed to the destruction. Italy is coping with austerity measures to try and put the economy back on track.
Mr Manfredi has a history of PR stunts, but whether this is a stunt or a legitimate art happening is not clear. What do you think about it? Do you see it as a legitimate protest or do you not approve? Tell us in the comments box below.
Nothing is impossible in Italy nowadays. I lived there and worked for the cinema. They are losing their identity. So many talented people being silenced, or self-censuring their work to earn a living.