Censorship was applied to 517-year-old works at the cultural fair in Dubai, which is a part of the United Arab Emirates, which wants to turn into a global centre. A 3D printed replica of the 5-meter David statue by Renaissance artist Michelangelo was brought. However, the genital area of the artefact was hidden.
The closure of the genital area by the organizers of the 3D printed replica of Michelangelo’s famous David statue exhibited at the Dubai Expo caused controversy. The decision, after lengthy negotiations between the statue’s owners and the organizers, resulted in most of the replica being covered with stone slabs, as nudity is not allowed in public in the UAE.
According to the Italian newspaper La Repubblica, the first display of the 17-metre replica displayed in the Italian part of the fair to UAE VIP visitors caused “great embarrassment”. However, Italian artists and art critics also opposed the decision. Italian art critic Vittorio Sgarbi told Adnkronos news agency that it was ridiculous that event organizers closed the replica. Meanwhile, Davide Rampello, the director responsible for the exhibitions in the Italian pavilion at Dubai Expo, stated that the decision was a unique approach and opposed the allegations that it was state censorship.
Michelangelo made the original statue in 1504. It was first placed in Florence’s Piazza della Signoria before moving to the Florence Academy of Fine Arts in 1873. The sculpture, which is among the most well-known works of art globally, is one of the most famous artistic structures in Italy to date. Dubai Expo 2020, which was planned to be held last year but postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak, aims to showcase innovation and cultural products from countries worldwide, while UAE authorities hope to attract more investment and tourism to the region with this step.
Photos from Expo 2020.
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