New York–based Italian artist Federico Solmi has been charged with obscenity in Italy after his video work The Evil Empire was shown at the Arte Fiera in Bologna in January, Artnet reports.The work was brought to Bologna by Naples's Not Gallery after being shown at LMAKprojects in New York last spring, while Pope Benedict XVI was visiting the city.
The hand-drawn animation is set in "Vatic-Anal-City" in the year 2046 and portrays the exploits of a fictional pope who is addicted to pornography.
A number of related objects accompany the piece, including a crucifix that features Solmi as the pope character with a large grin and an erection.
On the last day of the Arte Fiera, a local judge named Bruno Giangiacomo heard about the crucifix work and ordered its confiscation.
Catherine Thompson of LMAK says that the artist was then charged with religious offense and obscenity, although the former charge has since been dropped.
The director of Not Gallery, Manuela Esposito, may also face charges.
According to Thompson, Solmi has found two lawyers to defend him. The cross, which had sold for $7,000 at the fair, is still in custody, although the artist's lawyers are attempting to get it returned.
Solmi issued a statement about the incident, in which he defends his work as the outcome of his "ongoing desire to satirize tyrants" and a reflection of the culture of New York, "where pornography, religion, violence, sex, and blood baths coexist in perfect harmony."
LMAKprojects will have a selection of works from The Evil Empire on view during the Armory Show this week.
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(Source: Artnet)