After centuries of being one of the leading countries in art and culture, Italy has finally stepped into the 21st Century in its discovery of street art. It has now become so prominent in the land of romance and culture that Bristol’s very own Banksy even decided to put his stamp on one of its hallowed street walls; the Via dei Tribunali by Piazza dei Gerolomini in Naples is now home to an iconic stencil of the Madonna.
Although not the only mural which the world-famous street artist has placed in Naples, it is the only one still visible to the public today, which is perhaps not surprising considering the controversial and often contested status of him and his work. It is however, surprising that this work has not been covered up as a result of its daring and potentially offensive imagery. In the image, the Madonna is depicted levitating, an orb of light containing a gun hovering overhead and aimed towards an icon of the Madonna and Child. The orb of light is an allusion to the halo of the Madonna and contradicts the divinity and holiness that it represents.
Banksy Goes to naples
BY Victoria Ellison
Banksy's previous Italian work, which was spray painted over by a riled public due to its offensive nature, was based on Bernini's Ecstasy of St Teresa. The mural was placed opposite the cloister in the Santa Chiara religious complex in Naples in 2010. It consisted of St Teresa holding a coke and McDonald’s meal in her hand, an apparent reference to consumerism; portraying a message contrary to that which Christianity supposedly advocates.
Despite being a Christian, I appreciate the controversial nature of this form of street art and do not find it offensive. However, I would have been extremely surprised if there had not been contestation concerning the mural of the Madonna; particularly considering the general prominence of the Catholic faith in Italy. Although for me, it would be a great shame if this growing epidemic of street art were to diminish due to the reluctance of some people to accept the modern world, where I believe there is a need to express controversial views in public.
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