Colonna Mediterranea
| Colonna Mediterranea | |
|---|---|
| Kolonna tal-Mediterran | |
View of the Colonna Mediterranea
|
|
| General information | |
| Status | Intact |
| Type | Decorative Egyptian obelisk |
| Architectural style | Abstract art |
| Location | Luqa, Malta |
| Coordinates | 35°51′37.58″N 14°29′2.35″E / 35.8604389°N 14.4839861°E |
| Named for | Mediterranean |
| Completed | 2006 |
| Owner | Government of Malta |
| Technical details | |
| Material | Ceramic |
Colonna Mediterranea, commonly referred to as The Luqa Monument (Maltese: Il-Monument ta' Ħal Luqa) and also known as the Zobb Monument (Penile Monument), is a 21st-century landmarkobelisk in Luqa, Malta. The abstract art has created local and international controversy over its phallic appearance.
Colonna Mediterranea is located on a roundabout, in Luqa, known to locals as the Lidl roundabout as a Lidl supermarket is nearby. It is on Carmel Street, a busy road next to Luqa Airport exactly on one of the entries of the town of Luqa.
The monument was designed by Maltese artist Paul Vella Critien. It was built in 2006 and was described by the artist as a 3D "Egyptian symbol", taking the form of an abstract art representing the colors of the Mediterranean.
Despite its description of a modern Egyptian obelisk, the description is far-off from the notable description that is given. The monument cannot be said to be a phallus, as according to the artist it is not, but remains to be (and well known) as a "phallic monument". It has been described as a large penile (male sexual organ). The monument has been described as "vulgar", "obscene" and "offensive". The Luqa mayor, John Schembri, has called for its removal. During the visit of Pope Benedict XVI to Malta people including the Luqa local Council and the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Malta called for its removal. A survey conducted by the Malta-Surveys found that most of those who participated wanted the monument to stay. The monument received extensive coverage by the BBC,The Daily Telegraph,The Huffington Post,ABC News, USA Today, Times of Malta, Malta Today, The Malta Independent and other local and international media.
...
Wikipedia