Do you see that defiant finger pointing towards the sky? That’s the L.O.V.E. sculpture. It is also commonly known as Il Dito. That’s Italian for the finger. We’re standing in Piazza degli Affari in Milan. The Italian stock exchange is right behind us.
This thought-provoking artwork is by Maurizio Cattelan. It features a hand. All fingers are severed except for the middle one. The name L.O.V.E. is an acronym. It stands for Libertà, Odio, Vendetta, Eternità. That translates to Freedom, Hatred, Revenge, Eternity.
The Contrasto Statue was created in 2010. It was initially part of Cattelan’s exhibition at The Royal Palace of Milan. The sculpture was only supposed to stay in Piazza Affari for a couple of weeks. But its impact was immediate.
After the exhibition closed Massimiliano Finazzer Flory wanted it to stay. He was the city Councillor for Culture. The business community wasn’t thrilled. After some debate Cattelan donated the sculpture. L.O.V.E. received permanent status.
Cattelan has never fully explained its meaning. Many believe it critiques the Fascist salute. Others see it as a protest against financial institutions. This was after the 2007–2008 financial crisis. Interestingly the stock exchange building is the Palazzo Mezzanotte. It was built during the Fascist era. Architect Paolo Mezzanotte completed it in 1932.
Letizia Moratti inaugurated the statue on September 24, 2010. She was the mayor of Milan then. Cattelan wanted the work to stay in Piazza Affari. He said it was created for this place.
The display of the finger was extended. This happened despite some protests from the finance world. Between 2011 and 2012 the government decided on its permanent installation. Giuliano Pisapia was Moratti’s successor. Stefano Boeri was the new assessor for Culture.
Since its installation the Contrasto Statue has become a symbol of Milan. It has been the setting for several events. In 2013 Greenpeace activists covered the finger with a green glove. They wanted the fashion industry to pay attention to environmental issues. In 2019 the sculpture was used for the Italian presentation of La Casa de Papel. It was partly covered with a mask like Salvador Dalí. In 2023 activists covered the base with yellow paint. They were protesting state funding of fossil fuels.
Many people pose while flipping the bird at the camera. It brings a little edginess to their tour of the city. The Contrasto Statue is a statement. It is a conversation starter in the heart of Milan’s financial district. A constant reminder that art can provoke and question. It challenges the status quo.