Noted art critic Vittorio Sgarbi finally got his wish. The controversial exhibition of gay art that caused havoc among city councilors in Milan will soon be opening in Florence.
Entitled Vade retro: art and homosexuality, the exhibit will begin on October 23 at the Liberty della Stazione building. It is being funded exclusively by Grandi Stazioni, after outrage and indignation followed the decision by Florence’s city hall to not sponsor the highly disputed event.
Although culture superintendent Giovanni Gozzini gave just cause for his refusal to support the show, he has nonetheless been accused of censorship and homophobia by an enraged Sgarbi and gay rights groups throughout the city.
In an official statement, Gozzini explained, ‘We did not intend to censure the show and are pleased that it found a proper exhibition space in the city. However, after consulting Francesco Bonami, Director of the Venice Biennale, we believe that the quality of the artwork on display is not good enough to receive city funding’. Florence’s most controversial exhibition will not be completely overlooked by the city administration, however. Sgarbi recently announced that Heritage superintendent Eugenio Giani granted organizers a 50 percent discount on billboard advertising.
