Football Italia exclusively interviews Simone Fugazzotto, the artist behind the controversial Serie A anti-racism campaign. “We wanted to make people reflect.”
The paintings were originally made in May to mark the Coppa Italia Final between Lazio and Atalanta, but were brought back by the Lega Serie A as part of today’s far-reaching initiative combating racism in stadiums.
Football Italia exclusively interviews Simone Fugazzotto, the artist behind the controversial Serie A anti-racism campaign. “We wanted to make people reflect.”
The paintings were originally made in May to mark the Coppa Italia Final between Lazio and Atalanta, but were brought back by the Lega Serie A as part of today’s far-reaching initiative combating racism in stadiums.
The artist has always used monkey motifs in his work and therefore maintained this approach when asked to paint on the subject of racism in football.
The choice of ape imagery in a campaign to stop racists making monkey noises towards black players seemed inadvisable at best, offensive at worst, so we contacted the artist to ask how these decisions were made.
How did the collaboration with the Lega Serie A come about, and was it always an anti-racism initiative?
“The collaboration began in the Spring with my idea of painting this tryptic during the Coppa Italia Final, and in general give a different message that really could be incisive in the fight against racism, and not the usual slogan that, sadly, nobody pays any attention to anymore. Something that really could make people reflect and create debate.”
Seeing as it was an anti-racism campaign, did nobody think using monkeys would be problematic imagery?
“It was my idea, as the artist responsible for this project. I have painted monkeys for years as a metaphor for man, in all its forms and variations. I never thought that a campaign of sensibility against racism could be problematic, because we really do believe in this fight. I am ready to take on the controversy, as an artist is ready to do anything for his ideas.”
Have you seen that the reaction to this campaign is already global and do you understand why it caused so much controversy?
“All new ways of communicating cause controversy. Oliviero Toscani did it years ago on the theme of discrimination with his advertising campaign (for Benetton, ndr) and now they are considered masterpieces. Time will tell.
Can you see why one might see paintings of monkeys as a mistake for a campaign against racism?
“Everyone is free to think whatever they want. Art has always created discussion and controversy.”
Have you received any messages from people of colour after this painting, or in general on your use of monkeys in your art? Do you want to take back the insult and the power from racists?
“No, many people have written to me, but no black people yet. My art is one of equality, which overturns the rhetoric of thought to cancel out differences. I have lived and painted in all corners of the world, I am a citizen of the world, and this will never change.”
